Spirit (Pete) F Bortolini's Obituary
Spirit F. Bortolini was born September 19, 1922 in the small town of Mark, Illinois. He was the third child of Theresa and Theodore Victor Bortolini. Spirit, nicknamed Pete, had two older siblings, Nilda and Joseph, both deceased, and two younger siblings, Patricia and Art (Karen). Family was the center of his upbringing and he was surrounded by family from his early years and throughout his life.
He graduated from Hopkins Township High School, Mark, Illinois, in 1940. Shortly after, his family moved to Gary, Indiana where Pete began working for the local steel mill.
In 1942, Pete enlisted in the US Army and served his country during WWII. He was deployed to the South Pacific where he spent 33 months in active combat until he was wounded and returned home.
Pete met and married Delores Allen on February 28, 1948, in Gary, Indiana. Pete and Dee moved to Hobart, Indiana shortly before the birth of their first child, Kathy. While living in their first home Pete and Dee met many new couples who became long-time friends. Their second daughter, Debbie, and son, Ron were born while living in this house. Pete’s job took the family to South Bend, Indiana for a year.
Moving back to Hobart, Indiana, Pete and Dee bought a second home and began remodeling the home; adding a second story and making many improvements- Pete completing most of the work himself. It was during this time their fourth child, Lori, was born.
In his earlier years Pete was an avid bowler, a coach for his kids’ sports teams, a bocce ball enthusiast, and well-liked and respected. Pete and his wife, Dee, spent time with friends and family and always seemed to have extra kids at their house. His strong family-centered ethic promoted many family dinners, celebrations, and holiday gatherings.
In 1968, Pete and his family moved to Largo, Florida. It was during the move to Florida that Pete bought his “baby”- a new 1968 Chevy Impala Convertible that he pampered throughout the years until the very end of his life.
While in Florida he worked for General Electric until 1982 when he retired. Once retired, they moved to Safety Harbor and lived there for several years.
Pete and Dee took vacations to visit family and friends and planned several cruises where they met new friends and enjoyed time together. He enjoyed retirement and spent several winters in Lake Havasu, AZ where they, once again, made many long lasting friends.
His last move was to Clearwater where he remained until his death.
Pete was a hard-working man who always seemed to know how to fix what was broken- whether with tools or advice and direction. In a crowd, his voice could be heard above all others- strong and distinctive. Pete could draw a crowd. He loved his family and was proud of their character and accomplishments.
He leaves a loving family that includes his four children; Kathy (Bill), Debbie (Larry), Ron (Tere), and Lori (Dave), his eight grandchildren; Greg (Christina), Caroline, Jennifer (Eric), Renee (John), Nick (Caitlyn), Jeanie (Steve) , Matt (Lucaya), Amanda (Buddy), and 11 great grandchildren; Fisher, Aliah, Grace, Edward, Kaelyn, Charlie, Henry, Macy, Millie, Campbell, and JJ.
He will be missed by his loving family and treasured by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who benefited from his loving, family-centered example.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in Spirit Bortolini's name to a charity of your choice
Thank You
Our Dad
Strength can be silent
Strength can be heard
Dad was the one
We hung on his word
He taught us to be honest
To work hard, and learn
Remember your family
Be grateful in turn
A hard-working man
With vision and grace
An open heart for others
A smile on his face
We will all miss his presence
His guidance, his heart
We’ll join him some day
Though now we ‘re apart
What’s your fondest memory of Spirit (Pete)?
What’s a lesson you learned from Spirit (Pete)?
Share a story where Spirit (Pete)'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Spirit (Pete) you’ll never forget.
How did Spirit (Pete) make you smile?
