Donald F. Bertaut known to almost everyone as “Ricky”, age 54, a resident of Lombard, Illinois since 1992, formerly of Chicago; Ricky grew up in Bensenville, Illinois and was a graduate of Fenton High School class of 1980. He was a dedicated and valued employee of FCL Builders in Itasca, Illinois since 1997 and rose to the position of Project Superintendent. He was a member of the Laborers Local International Union of North America Local Union 68. Ricky was a lifetime fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears and a die-hard fan of the Cubs. He enjoyed gardening and shared his crops with anyone who needed them. He also loved traveling, fishing, going to the beach, fireworks and fests; but mostly spending time with his family and friends. He thrived on giving to others above and beyond with a huge heart and an infectious smile and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Ricky is survived by his beloved girlfriend Tina Van Petten-Laughlin and her son Conor. He is the son of the late Donald E. and the late Jeanne L. Bertaut; He is a loved and cherished brother of Michele (Brian) Lant, Nanette Culleeney, Suzette (Michael) Wilke and David (Chip) Bertaut. Much loved uncle of Lauren and Michael Wilke, Kristan Lant, Donald, Jenna and Bradley Culleeney, and Sean and Madison Bertaut and a countless number of friends. Visitation Saturday, October 1, from 8:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 noon at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 S. York St., (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com
Donald F. “Ricky” Bertaut
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Michael Tau
Ricky is the true definition of a “friend”. Like I tell my sons, you are lucky to have one friend like Ricky in a lifetime. I am lucky.
Thank you Ricky for everything you have done for me and my family.
I love you and will miss you .
Michael
Alec Tau
He was always one of my role models growing up to be as funny and caring as he was to his loved ones. Even though he wasn’t blood related, my brother and I always felt he was a big part of our family. Love and miss you Uncle Ricky
Linda Qualtier
Ricky was a kind sweet person a good friend to all he would make you feel special he will be more than missed
Paula Ziegler
Ricky had a laugh that was so contagious, I can still hear him. He had an incredible will to be strong and so this illness must have been extremely overwhelming for him. Ricky was as Michael said always ready to help out a friend. He was always ready to go out and have fun. I wish we could have helped him the way he helped us. His eyes were always smiling and his heart genuine. I am sure he is free as a bird now and at peace in everlasting life with our Heavenly Father. When life closes a door God leaves a window open. I will miss him greatly.
Paula Ziegler
Gina Hitchler
Your smile was one of a kind. Your laugh would get anyone to laugh as well. Your heart and friendship was true and full of love. I always thought of you as family and another brother. We always had so much fun growing up and anytime you were around!! You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. I’ll miss you my brother!! Love you Gina (Tau) Hitchler
Paula Ziegler
Ricky when i think of you i can hear that mischievous laugh and i see that big smile. You were uplifting to so many and i know so many will miss that fiery soul of yours. We were blessed to have you in our lives as a true friend. No doubt you are still with us in spirit and we welcome your presence any time. Today, your bday… we hope to celebrate your life with friends. Thank you for helping when my basement flooded by bringing over a sump pump. And thank you for invites to the Hawks game, summer fests, FCL’s Xmas party, party nights at JP Dugens, fun in st. petes florida eons ago,garden veggies, & phone calls just to say hey. May you be with our heavenly father and be in awe… John chapter 14, verse 2…There are many rooms in my Father’s home and i am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, i would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, i will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where i am.
When life closes a door, God leaves a window open.
Kulpaka Dockery LuAnn
I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Rick’s family and friends, and my dear friend Tina. I saw Ricky last Thanksgiving at Riley’s, after almost 35+ years since St. Charles Borromeo days, thanks to my brother Mike who had been in touch with him over the years! We reminisced, and it was such a great blessing to reconnect with both Ricky and Tina on such a great holiday. I pray for his eternal peace and that all of our paths crossed.
Warm Regards,
LuAnn Kulpaka Dockery
Carl Baldwin
I worked with Ricky at Elmhurst Lincoln Mercury in the early 1980s I am sadden to here of his passing Ricky will be missed.
Mark
Great guy right there; pure awesomeness. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You’ll be missed, Ricky.
Michele
Ricky, there’s no way to explain the sadness I know so many feel. I was lucky enough to have you in my life for some time and learn first hand what a truly kind person you are. You helped me through my own difficult times by showing me some of the most fun times and what being a giving person TRULY means. There was no limit on the help you would offer to others. May you have peace and comfort with God and hopefully know the mark you made on so many peoples lives.
Ron Stefanik
Ricky ,, the fences will never be the same without you watching , all the guys and girls at BBF
Megan Van Petten
Ricky,
I am so sorry to hear of your passing and so shocked to hear about your struggles and sadness. From the surface you were one of the happiest kindest people I knew. It was alway great to see you and I value the time we had at the beach, your favorite place. May you rest in peace xoxo Megan
Chrisy
Ricky, you are one of the most honest, giving, and truly amazing men I have ever met. You are a great friend to everyone and I wish I could have helped you with this struggle in your life like you have helped so many. You will be missed, especially that big beautiful smile. Love you Ricky. Chrisy Martino
Rich Brown
Our famiies were the Flintsones and the Rubbles. We played baseball, raced go carts and built tree forts. My Heart goes out to Shelly, Nancy, Suzie and Chip, my two childhood Best Friends. Miss you Ricky!
Sheila Tanner
No words can describe how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I think everyone that was ever a friend to Ricky will remember how fun, outgoing and sincere of person he was. Just seeing him last year at a wedding, after not seeing him for several years prior, he was still the same Ricky; passionate, caring and full of life. It’s obvious Ricky has made wonderful memories for all of us. I remember a lot of fun times together as a group during our high school days. My heart and prayers go out to Suzie, Nancy, Shelly, Chipper and the rest of family and friends that were closet to Ricky.
Jeaneen Banner
Ricky was a one-in-a-million guy. Friends with everyone, the biggest and best smile that lit up a room wherever he was. I was fortunate to have some special moments with him, especially prior to my moving. He stood up in my wedding, we had a 25th b-day party for him, he was around my family since I can remember and friends with nearly all of my family. There is no one that cherished the sun as much as he did! When I moved to FL he was there on top of our boxes before we were even moved in. So many laughs and memories. He treated everyone like a great friend and helped so many. Where there was a good time, there was Ricky! He was funny, and loved by so many. I wish I would have been in touch with him more in recent years. My heart goes out to Chipper, and his family…how lucky to have a brother who was loved by so many of us. I will never forget him. Rest in Peace. Ricky.
Paulette
Ricky I will DEARLY miss you! Your smile and laughter was beautiful and I hear it as I just think of you or say your name! Dear friend I will see you one day again! RIP! ❤️