Paul Beers Bertan

Paul Beers Bertan, 88, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Saturday at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. Born in Brooklyn, he lived in Horseheads and Schenectady before settling in Syracuse in 1963. Paul was a 1953 graduate of Draper High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State University, followed by a Master’s in Organic Chemistry and a doctorate from SUNY Binghamton. He retired in 2002 as a professor of chemistry at OCC. 

Paul was a dedicated member of Grace Episcopal Church and the American Chemical Association. As a 3rd Degree Mason, he was also active in the Model Railroad Group, Erie Canal Park, and the Conservative and Republican Parties, serving as county chair for the Conservative Party from 1980 to 1988.

Paul was predeceased by his wife, the former Joan Eignor, in 1996; son, Joel in 2017; and grandson, Daniel Gibson in 2016.

Surviving are his daughters, Jennifer (Ron) Belcher of Papua New Guinea, and Jocelyn Baker of Carthage; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, James Bertan of Florida.

To celebrate Paul’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home.

Paul will be laid to rest in Shawangunk Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Onondaga Community College, c/o Jennifer Bertan Mahtab Shaikh Scholarship, 4585 W. Seneca Tpk., Syracuse, NY 13215.