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GEORGE BERTOLERO
SEPT. 6, 1916 - OCT. 2, 2008 Age 92,
passed away in Modesto. Survived by his son Myron Bertolero; 2 step children,
Dorothy Galloway and Robert Snyder. No Services. Salas Brothers Chapel, Directors.
The Modesto Bee obituary did not provide much details about Mr. Bertolero's country
music career in its short mention, so allow us to provide some details.
Mr. Bertolero was known as Rusty back in the late 1940s, early 1950s when
he was part of the Sagebrush Serenaders group that entertained the audiences
over radio stations in Stockton and Modesto, California.
The group appeared at local venues such as the California Ballroom on
Saturday nights, the Growers Hall in Stockton on Sunday nights, and
a place in Richmond on Wednesday nights. Weekends would find the group
appearing at the Sylvan Clubhouse in Modesto.
Rusty wrote a few tunes in his prime. One tune got the attention of the Country
Music Hall of Fame Western Swing legend, Bob Wills - I'm Human Same As You.
Bob wanted to buy the tune, but Rusty thought he'd rather keep himself as the
author. He later also wrote the tune Rendezvous Bend and Break of Dawn. The
BMI database will show him as Rusty Jorge, the name he used as a songeriter.
Earlier in 2008, the last two members of the Sagebrush Serenaders got together
in Modesto to relive old acquaintances, memories and sing a few more of those
familiar melodies. Ernie Kornoyer paid Rusty a visit.
Ernie wanted to attend Rusty's memorial service, but his health prevented
him from doing so. Ernie is now the sole surviving member of the central
California group, the Sagebrush Serenaders.
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