Bertram R. Theiss

Bertram R. Theiss, 91, of Camillus, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009 at home in the presence of his beloved family. Born in Auburn on Wednesday, October 10, 1917, he was the son of Erie Theiss and Catherine Jago Theiss. He graduated from Holy Family High School and lived in Camillus for over 60 years. Bert was employed for 37 years by O´Conner Mosher Co., retiring in 1982 and previously worked with Carrier Corp. A decorated veteran of World War II, he served as an officer with the 8th US Army Air Corps and was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Air Medal Award with two Oak Leaf clusters, NYS Distinguished Service Cross with Two Battle Stars, Caterpillar and Wing Boot pins. Bert was a communicant of Holy Family Church and member of the Holy Name and the Nocturnal Adoration Societies. He was a union steward for the Teamsters local #117; VFW Rothberg Post-Camillus. He served as chaplain and quartermaster at the VFW Jack Chadwick Post and was a scout master with Holy Family parish. Surviving are his wife of 69 years, the former Ann Skurat; sons, Richard of San Diego, California, Thomas of Independence, Missouri, David of Camillus, James of Woodmere, Long Island, Daniel of Wakefield, Rhode Island and Michael of Syracuse; daughters, Mary Anne Theiss-DePalma of Manlius, Patricia Casler of Valley Stream, Long Island and Catherine Feyerabend of Palm Harbor, Florida; 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bert considered himself a rich man ~ rich with children and family. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus and at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call Monday, April 13, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Bert will be laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Auburn with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, CNY Chapter, 100 Metropolitan Park Dr., Liverpool, NY 13088.