Marc Francesco Bertonasco Obituary

February 25, 2026

Ernest Sullivan wrote a sympathy message

“I owe my career as an endowed chair of English Literature to Marc Bertonasco. I had only one class from Dr. Bertonasco (Senior English at Bolsa Grande High School) but he was the only teacher who recognized my potential as a student and wrote the letter of recommendation that got me into college. I started college as a physics major; but in my senior year, Dr. Bertonasco's passion for teaching and literature broke through and inspired me to major in English and become an English professor.”

January 9, 2026

Brian Kelly wrote a sympathy message

“I was not an English major when I attended CSU, Sacramento in the early ‘90’s. However, the two classes I took in the English Department, both taught by Professor Bertanasco, were the most impactful and valuable classes I took there. I admired his passion, command and knowledge of the subject matter. I liked how he challenged us to be prepared and ready in the classroom, and I appreciated his encouragement when I felt stuck with my own writing. I will always remember him fondly.”

December 10, 2025

William Sewell wrote a sympathy message

“I had six courses from Bertonasco as a student at CSUS in the 90's. I had a lot of excellent teachers during my time in college, and he was by far the best. His curricula honed not only my writing but also my analytical skills. He taught with passion and depth. He was a great influence in my life and his lessons made me a much more aware person, contributing not only to my success but also to my personal freedom. For the independence alone, I am ever grateful for being his student.”

September 6, 2025

Robert Stoltz wrote a sympathy message

“"Berto" was the best English profesor I had at CSUS during my years there in the late 80s. When he left UC Berkely and started at CSUS, he brought with him his UC curriculum. His classes were not easy (particularly his grammar class), but I learned to write better and, eqaully important, to think more logically and clearly. Upon graduation from CSUS in 1990, I never saw Bertanasco again; but I thought of him often and his name sometimes popped up in discussions with college friends. RIP Berto.”