ANDERSON,
REVEREND BERTIL J., 63, pastor of Saint Rita Church in Warwick, died on
Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at St. Antoine Hospice in North Smithfield, surrounded
by his family.Born in Providence, a son of the late Carl R. and Ann L. (Brophy) Anderson, he attended Saint Michael and Saint Patrick Schools in Providence.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, RI, and at Saint Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He was ordained a priest on October 6, 1974 at Saint Patrick Church, Providence, by the Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau.
Father Anderson served as assistant pastor at Saint Anthony Church, North Providence (1974-78) and was a teacher at Our Lady of Providence Seminary High School (1977-81). From 1978 to 1981, he resided at the Cathedral Rectory in Providence. In September 1981, he became an assistant pastor at Saint Matthew Parish in Cranston, then in October 1986 at Saint Timothy Parish in Warwick. On January 25, 1991, Father Anderson became the pastor of Saint Rita Church in Warwick, where he served until his death.
In addition to his parochial duties, Father Anderson served as chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, St. Lawrence Council, Regional Director of the CYO in Northern Rhode Island, and chaplain of the North Providence, Providence and Warwick Fire Departments.
Father Anderson is survived by a brother, Roland F. Anderson, Sr. and his wife Frances, of Warwick, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was also the brother of the late Arthur E. Anderson, and the cousin of the late Edmund "Buster" Beckett.
Calling hours will be at St. Rita Church, Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick on Friday, July 9, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a parish Mass.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of his soul at Saint Rita Church, Warwick, on Saturday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Rita's Food Closet.