Obituary of Mary C. Berti

BERTI Mary Vitelli Berti of Huntington, NY died on March 29, 2022, at the age of 94. Born to Mario and Pauline Vitelli in 1927, Mary grew up in Brooklyn, NY and was strongly shaped by the Great Depression. Her father, a mason, was often out of work during those challenging years, and her mother died while Mary was a young teen. In 1946, Mary married Albert Berti, the son of Italian immigrants, a veteran of WW II, and a career officer of the U.S. Treasury. Their marriage of 67 years endured until her beloved Albert’s death in 2013. An only child herself, Mary was the devoted mother of 9 children, calling them her “jewels.” From a young age, Mary had a passion for studying and making art. While tirelessly mothering her children, she somehow always found a way to address her need to paint. Throughout her life, Mary continually sought opportunities to grow as an artist. She drew inspiration from her large family, her Italian heritage, and her Huntington surroundings near the Long Island Sound. Mary formalized her education later in life, earning her BA and MA in art (both with distinction) at LIU, CW Post School of the Arts. As a member of the Pastel Society of America, Mary was given the designation of Master Pastelist and won many awards from that prestigious organization. In addition to her exhibitions in New York, Mary participated in exhibitions nationally, and her work resides in collections around the country. Mary is mourned by her children and loving family: Paula Lake (William), Linda Bonforte (Richard), Dana Cassillo (Paul), Andrea Hennessy (John), Peter Berti (Gail), Chris Berti (Laura), Mary Heuskin (Todd), Martha Berti, Monica Casazza (Chris), 21 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Our love goes with you, dearest Mom, Nonna, Great-Nonna. Come, Holy Spirit! Visitation: Friday, April 1, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. M.A. Connell Funeral Home, Huntington Station, NY Funeral Mass: Saturday, April 2, 9:15 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church.