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Louis P. Bertonazzi, 91,

Retired Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi, 91, of Milford, Massachusetts passed away on May 18, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Louis was a lifelong resident of Milford. He was a graduate of Milford High School in 1951. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts in 1955 and a Masters degree from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1960. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts in 1993. Upon his graduation from Tufts University, he served in the U.S. Army for two years. Upon his discharge, he worked as a world language teacher, guidance counselor and director of guidance in the Medway school system, following which he was appointed Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services by Governor John Volpe. 

Prior to his service in the Massachusetts legislature, he was elected for five terms to the Milford Board of Selectmen, acting as its chairman for three. Louis was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for ten years, where he earned the distinction of becoming the first Chairman of the Committee on Health Care. He then served as a member of the Massachusetts Senate for seventeen years, having acted earlier as Post Audit and Oversight Committee, as Assistant Minority Whip and then as Majority Whip, before rising ultimately to the position of Senate Majority Leader. Upon his retirement from the Senate, he completed his state service as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a member of the General Court, Louis authored major legislation for the Commonwealth which addressed health care cost containment, drunk driving reform, certification of emergency medical services, establishment of cancer registries, ambulance safety, public access to physician profiles and recodification of the dental practice act. 

Over the years, he received numerous honors and awards. He received the Distinguished Service Award and Key to the University from the Tufts University Alumni Association – its highest honor. And in an unprecedented tribute, the Central Massachusetts Emergency Systems Corporation dedicated and named in his honor the “Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Center for Prehospital Care Training”. As Chairman of the Massachusetts Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Commission, he was instrumental in bringing the Tall Ships to Boston Harbor in 1992. This initiative earned him the Governor’s Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Tourism, as well as the Presidential Award for Outstanding Contributions to Citizenship from the Order of the Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Other awards include the “Man of the Year” by the St. Jude Society and the “I Migliori” Award presented by the Pirandello Lyceum of Massachusetts. He was also named Man of the Year by his neighborhood group, the Plains Association, and served as its Annual Reunion President for many years. Upon retirement, Louis returned to his roots in Milford and established the Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Foundation. This Foundation presents annual awards in the areas of education, culture and citizenship to individuals in the communities he had represented in the legislature. This well received Foundation continues its work today.

He was survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Barbara (Szymanski) Bertonazzi, of Medway, Massachusetts. Theirs was a loving partnership encompassing their entire lives. Barbara and Louis are the proud parents of their son, Gregg Bertonazzi, of Uxbridge and Wellfleet, Massachusetts, their daughter, Lisa Bertonazzi-Valaouras and her husband, Thomas Valaouras, of Milford, Massachusetts, and their son, David Bertonazzi and his wife, Holly Davoren, of Milford, Massachusetts.  They are the extremely proud grandparents of Nicholas Bertonazzi, of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Peter Bertonazzi, of Milford, Massachusetts and Griffin Bertonazzi, of Providence, Rhode Island. Louis enjoyed traveling, music and the theater. 

As a child and young adult, he danced and performed in numerous community productions.  He was an avid sports fan.  He spoke five foreign languages.  Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with family at his summer home in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. 

A visitation will at held at Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home on 46 Water Street in Milford, Massachusetts on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 5 East Main Street in Milford, Massachusetts Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. 

 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oliva Fund at Milford Regional Hospital.

Milford Regional Care Foundation

C/O The Oliva Fund for Cancer

14 Prospect St.

Milford, Ma 01757

 

 

 

 


Guest Book

To the Bertonazzi family, Our heartfelt condolences to the family for the loss of quite a man. His accomplishments and dedication to his family and to the communities he served with love and support will never be equaled. He was always there for us when needed, his support of the education community through the Bertonazzi Foundation "Teacher of the Year" award will live on. Personally, Lou was a good friend, and it was always a joy to be in his presence. May the many accomplishments and memories you have of his life and career grant you comfort at this most difficult time. You should be proud of Lou Bertonazzi the man who served us so well! Fondly, Andy and Suzanne Anderson
Andy and Suzanne Anderson


GREGG AND FAMILY Please accept our sincere condolences on Lou's passing. Glenn and Joe
Glenn Davis and Joe Catalano


My sincere sympathy to the Bertonazzi family. I remember all the Milford parades where he waved and smiled. Greg so sorry for the loss of your dad. May wonderful memories help you all through this difficult time. Janet Roy Zavota
Janet Zavota


Dear Barbara and family, Betty and I are so sorry to hear about Lou.. Our families have been neighbors for many years. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Patty (Quinlan) Berry Betty Quinlan
Patricia Berry


Our deepest condolences for your loss. Mr. Bertonazzi will always be remembered and have a special place with our family. May his memory be eternal. Sam and Evelyn Pappas
Sam and Evelyn Pappas


My condolences to the Bertonazzi family. I served with him on the Democratic State Committee. In a way he was my predecessor in the House of Representatives. In 2022 I was elected to represent Westborough, a community that Lou represented in the early 70s. I had great respect for Lou.
Kate Donaghue


Louie Bertonazzi was one of the best things that came out of the town of Milford. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. He took up a lot of space and will be missed everyday. Every time I saw Louie he had a smile from ear to ear. He always had to find something out always a question .. and always laughed at my answers and stuck me with making posters and climbing ladders getting ready for his campaigns... Lou was a happy man one of my favorite things was waiting to see my neighbor and friend walk in the town parades. He had a special wave that I told him it was like a windshield wiper, he would bend down a little and then wave with that hand back-and-forth. such a fun guy.. he will be missed. I’m glad about one thing as I was running by his house not too long ago I saw him and once again, his big smile showed up and we once again laughed. That’s a good way to see someone for the last time …..Rest long my friend. My deepest sympathy ♥️
Chicky Compagnone


Lou was a great local and state leader and a proud son of The Plains. He was a true family man who loved his family. I am a better person for knowing him.
Kevin Rudden


I started working on Lou's campaigns while still in high school. I supported him as a selectman, state representative, and state senator. He was the finest example of a public servant that I know. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bertonazzi family. While his loss is devastating, please focus on his long life and on the incredible things that he did as a husband, father, and grandfather. You have my deepest condolences.
Bill Mohan


To the Bertonazzi family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace.
Joan Skaff


Representing adjacent districts, Lou and I served in the Massachusetts Senate together from 1979 to 1992. He was a classy guy and a leader both in the House and Senate on health policy issues. His loyalty to Tufts and his legislative skills made possible the conversion of the state hospital in Grafton to the excellent School of Veterinary Medicine.
Ed Burke


My prayers go to Barbara and the family. Louis gave so much for Milford and our state. He was the ‘peoples’ politician and always a good friend. He will be missed. I thank him for all he did to make a difference in our lives.
Linda Littleton


A tremendous leader for all of Central Massachusetts and a friend and mentor to many. My condolences to the entire Bertonazzi Family. - Tim Murray
Tim Murray


Sincere Condolences to Barbara and the entire family. Lou was a highly respected, caring, and insightful member of the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Advisors Board from 1989-2016. With his support, and wise advice, the School was able to achieve strategic goals. In 1997, Lou was one of the first to receive the newly University created, Dean's Medal, the highest honor awarded by each school at Tufts University. His warmth and generosity will always be remembered. Donna and Lonnie Norris Dean Emeritus, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Donna and Lonnie Nporris


To The Bertonazzi Family, We are so so very sorry to hear of the passing of such a Wonderful Man that touched so many hearts. Our Hearts & Prayers are with each of you at this very difficult time.
Cheryl Pasacane-Guilmain


Deepest condolences to the Bertonazzi family. Such a beautiful life and legacy. He will be forever missed but never forgotten - Beth and Dean Fusco
Dean and Beth Fusco


I worked in the Senate for eight years before going on to the bench. Senator Bertonazzi was a prominent member of the body,very outgoing,kind to all staffers and Senate Pages and always well turned out.He served his constituency with honor and diligence.He was a true public servant.May he rest in peace.
Paul F. Mahoney


I worked in the Senate for eight years before going on to the bench. Senator Bertonazzi was a prominent member of the body,very outgoing,kind to all staffers and Senate Pages and always well turned out.He served his constituency with honor and diligence.He was a true public servant.May he rest in peace.
Paul F. Mahoney


Lou was a wonderful representative of a Tufts education and remained a loyal alumnus as well as a great friend. He was always fair, honest, direct, and totally reliable as a human being. He was, indeed, a special person with a special warmth and humor.
Sol Gittleman


Peter and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy over the loss of Sen. Bertonazzi. He was a great man who was held in much respect and admiration here in the Blackstone Valley. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Lisa Perreault Buckley


Our sincere condolences to Barbara, Greg, Lisa, David, and all the grandchildren. We have such great childhood memories of Lou and the entire family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending lots of love and light to the family. Love Tara-Jay-Peter
Tara julian


Dear Dave and your entire family I'm so sorry and give you my condolences to you all Louie was such a wonderful man supporting the community of Milford for many and many of years Lou you will be very missed RIP Barbra god Bless to you all
Thomas Mobilia


My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Lou was a truly wonderful person.
Vincent Cifizzari


Dear David and Family, Please accept our sincere condolences. May his memory be eternally in your hearts, Sincerely, David Carchio and Family
David Carchio


One of the classiest men we knew, a true gentleman
Joseph spallone


I would like to @ this time kindly express my deepest condolences to Barbara & to the entire Bertonazzi family upon the death of Lou. Not only did he represent several towns in his district both in the Massachusetts House of Representatives but also in the Massachusetts State Senate. May our good & all merciful Lord grant him eternal rest " ad eternum. " Respectfully, Jim Edwards U I
James Edwards


To the Bertonazzi family thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad and difficult time.
Dave and Mary Ann Bertulli


Dear Lisa and family. We are so sad to hear about the passing of your father. He was a Milford icon who gave so much to the town he loved. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
Pam and Steve Mazzuchelli


Peter and the Bertonazzi family- I am very sorry for your loss!
Debbie Sweeney


Our sincere condolences to the Bertonazzi family. Thankful for his service to the community and to his commitment to education and support of teachers. He will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Sweet Peace Mr.Bertonazzi.
Nilza and Miguel Mirabal


Barbara and family. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steven Matos


Barbara and family. Please accept my sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Steven Matos


Nancy tinio borton sending love so sorry for your loss
Nancy and stuart borton


Dear Lisa and Family, My sincerest condolences for your loss. Your Dad was a remarkable man and has left an amazing legacy. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
Teresa Usher


So very sorry for your loss,may be rest in peace.
Connie Tinio


Barbara and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Louis was a gentleman and friend to many. Wishing you peace and courage during this difficult time.
Grace Lavallee


Sorry for your loss. He gave so much to the community.
John Peck


Our sincere condolences too the whole Bertonazzi family. He will be missed by all and the whole Riccardo family will always remember his big smile and generosity to all. God bless, Joe Riccardo
Joe Riccardo & family


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