Gloucester - Gloucester - It is with great sadness that we express the untimely passing of Xavier Francis Bertolino, Jr., 74, on October 21st, 2025 after a brief illness.

Xavier, better known as Savy Jr., was born in Gloucester MA on October 20, 1951. He was predeceased by his parents, Xavier Francis Bertolino Sr. and Helen V. (Gallagher) Bertolino.

Savy is survived by his wife of 49 years, Janet (Judge) Bertolino; daughter Andrea Bertolino, her partner, Russell Shatford Sr. and their children Russell Shatford Jr and Jack Shatford; son, Xavier Bertolino III, his wife Carolyn and their children Charlotte Spreadbury and Wyatt Bertolino; daughter, Amanda (Bertolino) Perry, her husband Timothy and son Maxwell; brothers, Francis P. (Skip) Bertolino and his wife Vence (Nicastro), and Joseph Bertolino Sr. and his wife, Barbara (Paris). He leaves many nieces and nephews.

Voted Class Clown his senior year of high school, Savy carried with him throughout his life a quick mind and acerbic wit. Whether he be in the halls and classrooms of Gloucester High School, "Fat's" Pool Hall in the old West End, the aisles of Mal's Department Store in East Gloucester or on the waterfront and docks of Gloucester, Savy's raucous laughter could not only be heard but immediately recognized. He was quick with a smile and a friend to all who knew him. His large friend group extended beyond Gloucester and included such diverse personalities as championship boxer Marvin Hagler and musician and band leader, James Montgomery.

A true Gloucesterman, Savy was honored to have been selected to be on the team which marched and carried the statue of St. Peter during the St. Peter's Fiesta.

Savy possessed a tireless work ethic. As president and co-owner of the Gloucester Shrimp Company Savy, guided by his father Xavier Sr. and in partnership with his mother Helen and brother Francis (Skip) founded, built and globally scaled two unique seafood processing and distribution product lines; cooking and peeling the Gulf of Maine pink shrimp and individually frozen scallop production. Always eager to help a friend or acquaintance, Savy constantly found a place for people to work in the family business. Those who knew him understood that 18-hour workdays were the norm, and his drive to succeed helped to cement his legacy as part of the history of Gloucester fisheries.

More than a father and grandparent, Savy was a person with extraordinary energy, charisma, and determination who was difficult to ignore. He was truly devoted to his children and grandchildren, spending the past several years caring deeply for and invested in their growth and success. His love for his family ran deep. His passing marks the end of an era, publicly and privately. Papa will be sorely missed.

The Bertolino family are grateful for the care, dignity and respect shown by the entire medical staff at Beverly Hospital, especially the team in the ICU/ CCU Units. Please consider a donation to Beth Israel Lahey Health Beverly Hospital.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.