Christian E. "Sonny" Bert, Jr.

Christian E. Bert, Jr., 21, of Middletown, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Derry Township. Better known as "Sonny," he was born on November 15, 2003, in Mt. Joy.

Sonny had a bright future and brought comfort to all those around him. A 2022 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School, he was naturally bright and a member of the school's Engineering Club. Upon graduation, he spent a brief time in Utah before ultimately moving back to the mid-state where he would begin college at Penn State Harrisburg; he was currently a junior studying Computer Science, consistently making the Dean's List. He also enjoyed working, spending time at Giant Foods and Mars Chocolate Factory, both in Elizabethtown, as well as the Masonic Peach Orchard and Hersheypark during his high school years. Presently, he was employed with FedEx, splitting time between the Middletown and Lewisberry locations as a package handler. 

Sonny was quiet and reserved but made an impact on just about everyone he met. He was kind and hospitable and always helpful to friends and family. He was the go-to person if you needed help with your car, bike, motorcycle, or anything technology related. He was a problem solver-one who either knew the answer or figured it out. Sonny was full of love, effortlessly putting others at ease with his gentle demeanor and subtle sense of humor. 

Spending time with his girlfriend, mountain biking with his friends or gazing at the stars occupied the time outside his academics and work. Sonny also took pleasure in welcoming others into his home, cooking for them and making sure they had what they needed. Even in death, Sonny helped others in need by donating his organs through the Gift of Life Program. In addition to their appreciation for the organ donation program, his family is forever grateful to the staff at Penn State Harrisburg and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for their compassion and guidance through an unbelievably difficult situation. 

Surviving Sonny are his parents, Christian E. Bert, Sr. and Rosalie A. Lindsay; siblings, Rose Chavan, Thea Stevens and Daniel Bert; grandmother, Joanna Sadler; several aunts and uncles, including a few to whom he was particularly close, Martha and Bill Stine, and Marti Bert; many cousins, a large extended family, and countless friends. He also leaves behind his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Julia McAlonis. He was preceded in death by three grandparents, Loren Sadler, and Silas and Bunnie Bert; and an uncle, Bradley Bert. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Grace Lutheran Church, Camp Hill. Immediately following the service, those in attendance are invited to please share memories of Sonny, as well as a meal, in the church library. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in memory of Sonny to support suicide awareness. Donations may be made to Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, W110, Olmsted Building, Middletown, PA 17057 (with checks made payable to: Penn State Harrisburg).