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Lee Allen Bertman, age 83, absolutely loved flying any kind of airplane and had six different planes over the years. On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 he made the most beautiful landing he has ever made when he passed from this life from his home in Vero Beach, Florida.
Lee was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived in many different locations in the USA and throughout the world, before settling in Vero Beach in 2001.
He served in the US Army, earning him the Combat Infantryman Badge during his service in Vietnam. He later served more than 20 years with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Aviation program, flying thousands of mission hours as well as serving as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner.
He was highly patriotic and proud of his Country and the service he rendered. In addition to his Coast Guard work, Lee was an active member of the Navy League of the Treasure Coast and the Florida Aero Club. He was also a member of Quail Valley River Club.
A man who loved learning, Lee graduated magna cum laude in Economics from Cornell University and continued his education earning an M.A. in Economics and M.S. in Civil Engineering at Northwestern University, as well as an M.S. in Accounting from Georgetown University.
Lee’s early careers including selling aircraft for Israel Aircraft Industries; being on the technical staff at MITRE Corp; and serving as Director of Capital Planning at Conrail. He was also a CPA. He established and operated his own cable television systems for over 30 years in both the US and the Caribbean.
Upon retirement Lee taught part time for 12 years as an Adjunct Professor of Economics at Indian River State College. It gave Lee great pleasure to help students understand how economics was useful in their daily decisions, not just a required college course.
Lee’s passing is mourned by his wife of 33 years, Suzanne E. Bertman. Additionally he is survived by his sons: Adam Bertman; Daniel Bertman; Michael (Leigh) Bertman; Jonathan (Sarah) Bertman; his two stepchildren: Christian (Lindsay) Etzold and Ingrid Etzold.; and his younger sister Michele (Craig) Suchland. He was blessed with five grandchildren he adored: Eliana, Mathilda, Alexander, Emily, and Evelyn. He was predeceased by his parents and his first sister, Lynn.
The family is having a private burial at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery which Lee himself chose to be close to flying and space exploration. A Celebration of Life, will be held in the near future for extended family and friends and details will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Council of the Navy League, PO Box 643845, Vero Beach, FL 32964 or the United States Coast Guard Foundation, 394 Taugwonk Rd, Stonington, CT 06378. Donations can also be made online.
Funeral arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Leonard Bernstei n - Friend
June 11, 2026, 4:25 pm
I did not know Lee very well, but I always had a high regard for him as he. Always treated me and my family very well. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace. Lenny
Dean Phillips
June 12, 2026, 1:03 am
Lee, It was a pleasure flying with you in USCG AuxAir and in your Vans RV-7A. You lived with enthusiasm and with purpose. You will be missed.
Thomas N Terreri and George E Miller - Neighbors
June 12, 2026, 10:38 am
Your final flight has now taken you home to eternal peace. You will be missed by the people who knew you. Both George and Tom pray that when our time has come we will be as blessed as you to have family around us on our final departure.
Peter and Patty Hervish - Friend and admirer.
June 12, 2026, 4:10 pm
Lee, we enjoyed being with you at pickleball, the left seat of your last plane and all the gatherings at our clubhouse. You were our favorite intellectual nerd who had a gift of knowing how to ask questions and bring out knowledge that I often thought had been covered in the cobwebs of memory. A truly brilliant inspiring person will be missed. The left seat will forever be empty for me as you solo throughout eternity in the sky above. Patty and Peter.
David Nguyen - Friend
June 13, 2026, 1:42 am
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lee.
Lee was an intelligent and remarkable person whose curiosity and love of life touched everyone around him. He had a passion for flying, finding joy and freedom in the skies. He also loved Vietnamese food, and many of us will remember the happiness he found in sharing good meals and good company.
Lee’s wisdom, warmth, and unique personality will be greatly missed, but the memories he created will remain in our hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee’s family during this difficult time. He was loved and respected. Rest in Peace Lee.
Carol H Whitehouse - Family Friend
June 13, 2026, 5:24 pm
Over the last 25+ years we have grown together like family! A wonderful friend, fellow pilot, and a great husband to Suzanne and father to all his children and grandchildren. Loved to help mentor young students and share his wide knowledge and love for economics and world topics. He will be missed by many many people. Always a new joyful adventure for Lee flying his own planes around the East Coast and the Caribbean islands. I’ll bet he is flying around way way up in the sky ! The last great adventure for my friend, Lee! You have been blessed – till we all meet again. With Love, Carol
Arun Sareen - Friend
June 13, 2026, 9:44 pm
Lee …my nutty boss and later a great friend… you will be greatly missed. Suzanne and family …my condolences. From C4 Media to hanging out together in the Domican Republic to the last 30+ years…enjoyed and cherished all of our conversations.
Bob Gaerttner - Fellow Pilot/Good Friend
June 15, 2026, 12:04 am
Lee, will always remember you as good friend sharing common interest in aviation and intellectual curiosity in general. Sorry we ran out of time to get you current in gliders again, maybe down the road….
Group of Friends
June 15, 2026, 11:15 pm
To the Bertman Family and all who Mr. Bertman impacted through his personal life and distinguished career, your Pittsburgh hometown friends extend our heartfelt condolences for your loss and with gratitude honor his military service.
Maria S. Davis, D.B.A. - Friend
June 16, 2026, 5:03 am
12 years ago, Lee told me that he wanted to spend his remaining years teaching. And he did, in spite of all the challenges of juggling different campuses and learning various technologies in the classroom….Just to be with the students who adored him, and listened to his wisdom. I can never compete with Lee. His classes were always full as soon as they became available. He listened to his students and was always compassionate and helpful.
Lee shared my passion in disseminating the importance of Financial literacy in the lives of our communities and students. He always supported me and attended the seminars since 2017. He always encouraged me with my work, shared my challenges, helped me find speakers and brought his students to the seminars.
12 years and a lifetime of memories. I will greatly miss you, Lee and the years that you inspired me with your kindnesses and perseverance. I pray that your family find peace in this very difficult time.
Always your friend,
Marta Schneider - Friend
June 16, 2026, 3:16 pm
We did not know Lee at all. But, I certainly know Suzanne. His obituary is incredibly impressive. Bob and I send our sincere sympathy to Suzanne and the entire family.
Leo Cancio - Fellow RC Pilot, Sailor and Family Friend
June 16, 2026, 3:55 pm
I will always remember our good times together and will miss you.
Larisa Ray - Colleague
June 16, 2026, 9:03 pm
I was fortunate to work with Lee for many years. He was a gentleman and a scholar who taught me a great deal. He was always available to give advice and encouragement. He was very supportive and helpful with many initiatives, especially with our work with the Enhancing Learning Outcomes Through Personalized AI Tutoring in Economics project. He was an active member in the Generative AI Workgroup. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Raquel Tilton - Friend
June 18, 2026, 12:19 pm
Suzanne, I am so sorry to hear about Lee’s passing. He will be remembered fondly by so many.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Evan Webster - Friend
June 20, 2026, 12:44 am
Mr. Bertman was a good friend of mine. He was truly a kind and inspiring person who I will miss dearly. I loved visiting him and his lovely wife in Vero Beach. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Bertman and the rest of his family. May his legacy continue to inspire and his memory be a blessing. Evan Webster, friend.
Doug Armstrong - District Captain Coast Guard Southeast District
June 26, 2026, 3:55 pm
My condolences to the entire Bertman family. I’m grateful to Lee for getting me into the Coast Guard AuxAir program and for being a mentor and a supporter. I’ve flown with Lee many times. He was such a great guy. I, like many of you, will miss him.