By David S. Smith
VINELAND, N.J. -- Bill Bertoia built a solid reputation over the
past several decades, first as a dealer specializing in early
toys and mechanical banks and most recently as an auctioneer, but
first and foremost as a personable friend. Along the way, few
stopped to realize the positive impact that a single man, such as
Bill Bertoia, could have on our large and often impersonal
business.
The antiques community will be subjected to a different sort of
impact from this day forth as it is with regret that we announce
his passing. William "Bill" Bertoia passed away after a
courageous battle with cancer on May 6, at the age of 52.
Bill built his business around ideals and friendship, and they
flowed forth in every transaction, every "deal" and throughout
his personal expression. He magically infused his enthusiasm, his
infectious laugh, his warmth, knowledge and generosity into all
who crossed his path.
"Bill was one of the motivators who almost single handedly put
the toy collecting field on the map," stated one of his close
friends of more than 20 years, Richard Garthoeffner. "He was one
of the all-time great dealers; he has done a lot for the toy
collecting field and he elevated the realm of toy collecting to
another level."
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1950, he moved with his
family to Millville, N.J., where he graduated from Millville High
School, Class of 1968, and then attended Cumberland County
College and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) before
moving to Vineland after marriage to Jeanne.
Bill began collecting antique bottles that he and his brother dug
from the soil of southern New Jersey at age 16. He was soon
buying and selling at local bottle shows. At age 19, Bill took an
interest in antique toys and began doing antiques shows shortly
thereafter, including the original Gordon Reid Brimfield show,
York, Allentown, Renninger's, Shupps Grove, Triple Pier, Chicago,
Glendale, Farmington and the original Atlantique City event.
During his first year in business as a dealer, operating under
the name of St James Place, Bill and Jeanne Bertoia participated
in 48 different shows.
Quality was always an issue with Bill and he only bought and sold
the very best in mechanical banks, early cast-iron and tin toys,
automatons, bottles, shaving mugs and pristine Carette toy ships,
limos and buildings.
Alan Green, a close friend of the family and compatriot dealer
for numerous decades, exhibited in "the booth next to Bill" in
the 1970s at Gordon Reid's original Brimfield market, at Shupps
Grove and Renninger's and spent many a laughter-filled night
camped in the van with him. "I have so many fond memories of Bill
that I don't know where to start," stated Green. "Wherever he
went, there was fun. His remarkable knowledge and his shrewdness
regarding the business were amazing," he said. "He was always
several steps ahead of anyone around him."
"To have Billy-B's friendship was like finding a mint bank,"
stated Donal Markey, another friend and business associate for
more than 20 years. "You study it, you loupe it, buy it, live
with it and enjoy it. And because you can't find anything wrong
with it, you go back to it year after year to examine, admire and
reconfirm in your mind that you have the perfect specimen. Bill
was a major force in this business, a great friend and he will be
deeply missed."
"Bill brought a lot of energy to the toy world, he was a power in
the game," commented longtime friend Noel Barrett, who joined
forces with the Bertoias during their initial auction ventures
with the historic Atlanta Toy Museum Sale. "His impact will be
remembered and he will be missed. Bill certainly left his mark on
this world, which is a great accomplishment," said Barrett.
Bill had been doing the spring and fall versions of The York
Antiques Show under the management of Jim Burk for more than ten
years and was fondly remembered by the promoter. "Bill probably
had the biggest influence on the toy market of anyone who ever
lived," stated a saddened Burk.
"Bill was a wonderful guy," commented fellow toy enthusiast and
Americana dealer Wayne Pratt. "He was the best toy dealer that I
have ever known." Pratt, who did a fair amount of bank swapping
with Bill over the years, stated that he had "nothing but the
highest regard for him. Bill was always positive, buying and
chatting right up to the end. I have a great deal of admiration
for him."
Rick Opfer had been a friend of Bill's since the late 1960s and
had also been his auctioneer for some ten years, "It was just
fun," stated Opfer. "Whether playing golf, going out to dinner,
fishing or selling toys, it was always fun with Bill. The toy
world has suffered a serious loss. He moved the toy industry, he
was just that type of guy --irreplaceable."
"Traveling with Bill was like traveling in a Spanish caravan,"
said his friend of recent years, Tim Ilyinski, "always laden with
toys, fishing rods, glass bottles and other unique collectibles.
The caravan journeyed the world from Buenos Aries to Paris, or
anywhere Bill felt a new treasure could be found. And at every
stop, Bill celebrated life with the best of food and wine, but
the most important part of his travels was returning home to be
with his family and friends."
Among the numerous standout events that Bill had a hand in either
brokering, auctioning or selling during those infamous tag sales
were the Bernard Barenholtz collection, the Hegerty and Norman
collections, the Atlanta Toy Museum, the Perelman Toy Museum and
the Acevedo collection.
Bill was an avid golfer, skier, fly fisherman, hunter, world
traveler and a recognized authority on antiques. He was best
known for founding his world-renowned Bertoia Auction Gallery in
Vineland and routinely appeared as an antique toy and bank expert
on the televised Antiques Roadshow.
Bill enjoyed and devoted his lifetime to his entire family, and
together, they shared the same passion for the beautiful and rare
in all aspects of life. His appraisal talents were sought across
the globe, and his many memberships and offices to varied toy
collectors clubs attest to his love and appreciation for the
preservation of all things fine.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jeanne Bertoia of
Vineland; daughter Lauren and son Michael; father and mother,
Hector and Ophelia Bertoia; brother and sister-in-law, Rich and
Trina Bertoia; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were held Saturday, May 10. In lieu of flowers,
contributions may be made in his memory to the Padre Pio Shrine
c/o Marie Dandrea, PO Box 184, Landisville, NJ 08326 or the
Kidney Cancer Research c/o Dr Amato, Houston. The funds may be
sent through Bertoia Auctions, 2141 DeMarco Drive, Vineland, NJ
08360.
"Bill had so much to give and he gave it unselfishly; he was
always willing to take the time to talk to people and was always
generous with his knowledge," said Garthoeffner in summation.
Bill Bertoia will be dearly missed by his family, friends, the
toy collecting community and the antiques trade in general.
