With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Tom Bertolino on December 6, 2025. Tom was an engineering and mathematics professor at Ventura College and retired in 2000.
Tom was born June 20, 1935, to Edward (HS principal and coach) and Vivian (grade school teacher and community pianist) Bertolino in Nokomis, Illinois. Tom graduated from Nokomis High School in 1953.
Tom graduated from the University of Illinois in 1958, earning a Master’s in Electrical Engineering that year. In 1957, Tom met Shirley Clark during summer 1957 employment. They were married August 23, 1958, and moved to San Diego, where Tom was employed at Astronautics working on the Atlas and then Centaur missile guidance systems.
Tom’s goal to become an educator was attained September 1965 as an engineering and mathematics instructor, which continued until he retired in 2000. Tom then continued teaching part-time at VC for 5 more years, plus tutoring at Holy Cross School.
The second benefit of Tom’s teaching was summer vacations which gave him time to take the family to visit relatives in Illinois and go camping, traveling to four campuses the summers he won National Science Foundation course scholarships, and to Scotland in 1980-81 for a year of teaching at Thurso Technical College.
Tom was an active instructor on campus, serving on many committees. He was treasurer of San Diego chapter of CORE. As other issues arose over the years, he actively supported many like-minded political candidates. Tom volunteered at the County Fair, read scientific journals, eagerly attended plays and concerts, enjoyed picnics, a bowl of popcorn, watched science fiction movies and TV programs, listened to “Prairie Home Companion” radio shows. He supported his children’s sports, music, dance, club, and school events with unfailing attendance, love, and respect.
Tom was an intense forward-thinking environmentalist before the word came into common lexicon. He saved newspapers early and helped start the Saturday recycling program at Ventura College, served on the first City Bicycling Committee, SOAR (Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources), and Zero Population Growth. He was a wizard at repairing things (especially electric appliances), was frugal with the use of water and utilities, lifetime example in all respects. Bicycling was his transportation mode 85% of the time.
Tom is survived by his life companion of 67 years, Shirley. He was a beloved father to his children – Lisa Mueting (William), Jon Bertolino (Michelle), and Linda Viles (Andrew). He was a role model grandfather to Tess, Max, Ivan, Nadia, MacKenzie, Taylor, Ryan, Zachary, Emily and Darren, and four great-grandchildren. Tom as preceded in death by his parents, sister Barbara, and grandson Nicholas. His ashes will be spread with official sanction at Yosemite National Park by his children.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Boyko and Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary, Teloma Drive, Ventura. The family has asked VC math retiree, Lydia Matthews to say a few words at the service. If retirees who cannot attend would like her to share one of your memories, please email your thoughts to Michael Bowen, at fizzbowen@gmail.com.
The family invites attendees to stay for a catered picnic style reception in the community room for friends, neighbors, fell college instructors and the students to continue the Celebration.
The family wants to acknowledge the loving care given by granddaughter Nadia Mueting, the dedicated support of Devoted Care Services and Assisted Living Hospice.
Retired (February 2015); Dean, Career and Technical Education, Oxnard College (2008-2015); Professor, Business, Oxnard College (1992-2008); Adjunct Professor, Business, Business Information Systems, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1976-1992); Intermediate Steno-Secretary, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1970-1974).