James “Jami” Michael Bertani

James “Jimi” Michael Bertani, a resident of Rochester, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Unity Hospital at the age of 82. James was born in London, Ontario, Canada on January 24, 1944 and resided in Welland, Ontario before immigrating to the United States at the age of 6. The son of Peter and Mary (Durley) Bertani, he spent his formative years living in Niagara Falls, NY where he would go on to meet the love of his life Marla (Neill) Bertani. James and Marla married in 1975 before relocating to Rochester, NY in 1978 where they would welcome their three children. 

A graduate of Bishop Duffey Highschool (1962) and Niagara Community College, James held many professional titles in various industries including bar and restaurant manager, manufacturer representative, and machinist before his medical retirement.

In 1965 his country summoned him to duty via selective service, in which he proudly raised his right hand and swore to serve his country as a United States Marine. With no promotions exiting infantry training, he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E5) through his duty stations at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marine Corps Base Camp Garcia in Puerto Rico, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune before completing his service as a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) in 1968. His service brought him great pride as evidenced by the U.S. Marine Corps Veteran hat with the Eagle, Globe and Anchor that he wore daily, which carried his sergeant chevron pin as well as pins of the American flag, and Honor Flight Rochester. 

James was a dedicated husband and father who had a deep passion for food, firearms, hotrods, and above all else making people happy. He prioritized the comfort and happiness of others and gave perpetual support to those he knew and loved. He was an accomplished chef and when he was no longer able to cook, he reshaped that passion into the act of gifting delicious food. When you were with Jim, you were never hungry. As pseudo father to many proclaimed sons and daughters, once you knew “Jimmy B” you’d never forget his kindhearted nature and inherent charm. James adored his family and couldn’t have been more proud of his children and grandchildren. He never missed a dance recital, practice or game with his children and would carry on this tradition with his grandson Bradley as he progressed through the ranks in jiu-jitsu.

James will be deeply missed by his dearest wife of 50 years, Marla (Neill) Bertani; sister Virginia Bertani; daughter, Erin Bertani; Sons, Mikael Bertani and Jacob (Natalie) Bertani; and two grandchildren, Bradley Bertani and Graham Bertani. 

There will be a Celebration of Life open to family and friends on Friday (June 5^th) at Woodside Lodge in Black Creek Park, 3835 Union St, Churchville, NY 14428. The family will be present beginning at 4:00 PM with remembrance taking place at 6:00 PM. The internment will be private in the Webster Rural Cemetery in Webster, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memorial to the Honor Flight Rochester at https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/.