Oreste Joseph “Rusty” Berta, age 91, of Freeland, longtime former Rock Springs, Wyo., resident, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at Maple Ridge Assisted Living.
Rusty was born in Diamondville, Wyo., May 18, 1923, to George and Rose (Baronetti) Berta.
His father died in a mining accident when Rusty was an infant. His mother later married Leo Silvestri, who raised him.
Rusty grew up in Rock Springs and graduated from Rock Springs High School. Following high school, Rusty worked for Wyoming Automotive as a traveling salesman.
He married Carmen Culver June 12, 1943. He began working for City Auto Sales in Rock Springs in 1946 and purchased the store in 1957. He expanded to six auto parts stores throughout Wyoming over the years. During this time he also gave accordion lessons and played professionally.
After retirement, Rusty and Carmen enjoyed summers at their cabin on the Rim in Wyoming and wintered in St. George, Utah, for a number of years.
Rusty moved to Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Freeland, Wash., in September 2010. He loved music (especially playing the accordion), hosting parties for his friends, mushroom hunting, fishing and camping in the mountains of Wyoming. He was a member of the Italian-American Lodge, Elks, Eagles the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Musician’s Union.
Rusty is survived by three daughters, Diana Georgis and husband Les of Lakewood, Colo., Wendy Sines of Freeland, and Susan Berta and husband Howard Garrett, also of Freeland; five grandchildren, Tony Georgis and wife Cristin of Denver, Mandy Trolinger and husband Steve of Denver, Russell Horn and wife Ambika Beck of Seattle, Austin Sines of Lynnwood, Wash., and Dillon Sines of Oak Harbor, Wash.; five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Alexis and Aiden Ker, Brandon Trolinger, and Jasper Georgis; one brother, Raymond Silvestri and wife Judy of California.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carmen in October 2004, daughter Janet Horn in November 1988, granddaughter Sheila Horn Ker in September 2012 and infant brother Victor Silvestri.
A private family graveside service will take place in Pinedale, Wyo., at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the Orca Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com
