Adelfio Bertol

Adelfio Bertol, born January 27, 1940 in Castelfondo, Italy, beloved son of Emilio and Erminia, beloved husband of Gema, beloved father of Angela, Carlo, and Antonio, passed away peacefully in Indianapolis, IN on October 13, 2024.

Living most of his childhood in the small northern Italian mountain village of Fondo in the Val di Non, Adelfio left home at 18 to work in hotels and restaurants in various countries in Europe where he honed his hospitality skills and became fluent in 4 new languages besides his native Italian (German, French, Spanish, and English). Living in Liverpool, England in the early 1960’s, he and his workmates would gather after work at the local Cavern Club where they watched the house band, The Beatles, play many times. After his time in England, he moved to Bermuda where he met, fell in love with, and married his wife of 45 years, Gema Vera Torres. Adelfio and Gema moved to Indianapolis, IN in 1975 where they lived the remainder of their lives. 

Adelfio was a devoted family man to his wife and their 3 children. He was a devout Catholic and active in his church, St. Michael the Archangel. He loved birdwatching and photography (many of his photos were published in various outlets), enjoyed playing and watching golf, and was active in the D.A.D.S. group of Down Syndrome Indiana. He made and kept many lifelong friends in Europe, Bermuda, Canada, and the United States. 

Adelfio leaves to cherish his memories his loving sons, Carlo and Antonio; four siblings, Sergio, Elena, Elia, and Daniele; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 6- 8 pm at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd West Drive. A Funeral Mass will follow on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10:30am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 3354 W.30th Street. The Inurnment will be at Washington Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Down Syndrome Indiana www.dsindiana.org/donate.