Obituary for Bertell Louis Terry Mathias
Bertell Louis Terry Mathias was the third child born to the late Gloria and George T. Mathias Jr. on August 8th, 1959 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He attended Samuel B. Huey Elementary School and Turner Middle School where he played the trumpet. Bertell went on to Overbrook High School (the Panthers) where he was on the swim and soccer teams. He trained under the leadership of Jimmy Ellis (the only swim coach with a Hollywood film produced about his life; “PRIDE”) and became a magnificent diver and competed in numerous swim-meets. Bertell was a very motivated and conscientious student graduating from Overbrook High School in June 1977. Bert, as he was affectionally called, turned down the United States Coast Guard and took a job with Muller Inc. as a driver of big rig tractor trailers where he was employed for 40 years.
Bert and his siblings Robin and Timmy grew up loving the sun and fun at Atlantic City beach and Twin Lakes in New Jersey where his father had a business along with his brother in-law, the late Roy “Crazy Horse” Johnson. Here his father taught his children how to swim and is where they discovered their love of many large dogs. He was a committed, loving son and a good friend to his father. Bert was a dedicated employee for Muller Inc., worked long hours, up at the crack of dawn, drove long distances, and never wanted to take time off from his job.
Bert had a love of motorcycles, dirt bikes, jet skis and all things that kept his adrenaline flowing. He knew a lot about cars, weapons, and electronics, had instruments, athletic equipment, and tools for everything. His motorcycle guys called him Big Bopper and he looked so cool in his Darth Vader helmet and Madd Max boots. He was a very private person, yet the nicest, generous, and protective person one could know. Bert cautiously observed unfamiliar people, had a very small circle of friends, and only told you what he wanted you to know. He appreciated music, a good movie, supplied his family with loads of boot-leg DVDs, and was very knowledgeable about international topics. Often Bert would respond in his way of communication: “what’s your location”, “affirmative”, “that’s a negative”, and “roger that”!
Bert is survived by his loving partner Valorie Lacey; siblings Robin Montague (Jeffrey) and George T. Mathias III “Timmy” (Andrea); uncle Edwin Mathias; nephew George T. Mathias IV “Little T” (Nicole); nieces Blayre Montague Owens (Maurice) and Miranda Mathias; great nephews Kareem Mathias, George T. Mathias V, and Christopher Mathias; great niece Dahlia Mathias; great-great niece Sadie Mathias; and a host of cousins and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith Lord I’m coming home.”