Clarence M. Bertolet

Clarence M. "Herb" Bertolet, local aviation pioneer and co-founder of Public Aviation, of Bern Township, passed away January 12, 2014 at the age of 95 in the Mifflin Center.

He was the husband of Minnie (Parzanese) Bertolet, whom he married 71 years ago.

Born December 30, 1918 in Reading, he was a son of the late William and Laura (Moser) Bertolet.

Herb was passionate about aviation, and as a young boy he spent as much time as possible at the Whander Field in Leesport. He was able to cultivate his love of flight from a boyhood fascination into a lifelong career. While there are many stories he would tell, he was most proud of the time when he was 16 years old and met Amelia Earhart. He fueled her plane and she gave him a nickel. Herb was a life-long member of the Quiet Birdmen.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany in WWII and also serving in the Korean War.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter, Anne Bertolet, wife of Thomas Glover, The Woodlands, TX.

Clarence was predeceased by his brother, Alfred (Sime) Bertolet.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Life Choice Hospice, 200 Dryden Rd., Suite 3300, Dresher, PA 19025. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.