Louis Ambrose Bertani, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on May 22, 2026.
Born in St. Louis, Lou was the son of Ambrose and Mary Bertani (nee Gioia). He was also the brother of Frank Bertani and Rosemary Spitler (nee Bertani), all of whom preceded him in death.
Lou is survived by his former wife Eileen Bertani (nee Owens); Children: John, Ann Marie, and Michael (Christine); Grandchildren: Madeline (William), Elyse (Taha), Christopher (Megan), Megan Newsham, and Benjamin White; Great Grandchildren: Melody and Daniel; and his partner of 31 years Vicky Gusman. Lou was a beloved Uncle, Cousin, and friend to many.
Lou was a graduate of McBride High School, Class of 1957. He then began working in the Job Room at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. After serving as a medic in the U.S. Army, he returned to the Post-Dispatch and retired from there as a Mailer after 43 years.
As an athlete and lifelong Cardinal fan, naturally his passion was playing and following sports. But this was especially true for baseball. In 1995, he drove in the winning runs to take the team Gold Medal in the Senior Olympics. He was inducted into the Amateur Baseball H.O.F. (2004), Amateur Softball H.O.F. (2008), and the McBride High School Hall of Fame (2010).
After his storied baseball career, Lou turned his attention to coaching. For decades he coached baseball, soccer, and basketball at Our Lady of Sorrows and Arts Boys Club. His teams won far too many championships and accolades to list. Lou’s teaching of fundamentals and making even practices fun, led many of his former players to go into coaching themselves with the same approach.
Lou had a gift for making people smile and laugh. Well known for his great sense of humor, and always having a joke at the ready. This was especially true with his family and friends, whom he cherished and loved deeply. He frequently would share how blessed he felt with the people that God had placed in his family and life. When really, WE were the ones blessed for having Lou in ours.
Services: Visitation will be held at St. Raphael the Archangel on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9am. followed by Funeral service at 10am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Lou was my best and oldest friend. We lived across the street from each other since birth and the memories we shared are priceless and will never be forgotten. I was blessed to have lunch with him the day before he died and when we said goodbye I kissed him on the forehead and we each shared how much we love each other. Thank you God for Louie.
Condolences to the family and many friends of Lou. He was and always will be “the pride of McBride” as a star athlete and person. I was fortunate to be his classmate and Alumni brother!
May Eternal Light Shine Upon Him we Pray!
I first met Lou on St. Margaret’s basketball court. He played for St. Cronan. It was a tight game and I sank a jump shot with 2 seconds to go…I thought we won. The ref called a foul on me and awarded Lou 2 free throws…they won. As we walked off the court I heard Lou tell the ref that he didn’t think I fouled him. What a gentleman! I was a classmate of his at McBride H.S. He was a gentleman his entire life.
God bless him.
Sorry to Hear of his passing worked with Lou at the Post Dispatch was a great guy Sorry I can’t be there to pay my respects
R I P Lou
Lou RIP… You were a great neighbor for many years until my mom moved with us to Arizona. She always look forward to coming back and seeing you sitting on the porch. You are at peace now. Now that my mom has passed away…you two are together reliving old memories. ❤️🙏😇
Mike so sorry for your loss…I and the team are sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family!
We are so sorry for your loss. Lou was always smiling and full of laughter. Please know of our thought and prayers.
Mr. Bertani was one of the nicest and kindest guys around. My dad, Bob Simmons, told me great stories about their softball days and Mr. Bertani helped elect my dad into the softball hall of fame. Every time I went to a SLU basketball game I looked forward to going to say hi to Mr. Bertani and talking sports. He was a true St. Louis legend
Sincere condolences to Lou’s family. He and my dad (Bob Simmons) went to McBride HS and played on MANY teams – both together and against each other 😉 They were there for each other at both of their respective Hall of Fame
St. Louis Softball inductions.
I will miss seeing him at SLU basketball games. But I know both Lou & my dad Bob are exchanging their love of “corny one-liner jokes” up in Heaven. REST IN PEACE
Mike & Chrissy,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. May your memories, God’s love, and the prayers of friends and family sustain you during this time of sadness.