Collective Award: Robert Bertolette gave credit to everyone around him for his Paul P. Haas Award win

Every year, LeadingAge PA rewards a handful of deserving recipients with their Distinguished Service Awards. However, there is one award that stands out the most for its history and prestige: the Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year, the award is going to the most deserving nominee: Robert Bertolette. Not only has Bertolette spent over four decades in the senior service field, but he has done so while leading the charge of initiatives, caring selflessly for patients, and being a leader who is not afraid to get his hands dirty.

“Bertolette dutifully worked in senior services for over 42 years in roles that include administrative positives for Normandy Farms Estates and Director of Social Services and administration for Philadelphia Protestant Home,” The Reverend Doctor David Charles Smith said. “For 25 years, he was the President and CEO for Riddle Village continuing retirement community.”

Bertolette has worked diligently to serve the seniors in the communities he has been part of, and he has worked his way up the ladder for numerous reasons. He puts his best foot forward day in and day out, and the people he works alongside have nothing but positive and great things to say about him.

“I have always found Bob to be committed to the vision and mission of Phoebe Ministries,” Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates said. “He demonstrates leadership within our board and within the industry, functioning as a leader, freely sharing expertise and information, and advocating for the best services possible for our seniors.”

The Haas Award winner is committed and a leader. That describes Bertolette to a T. He has held presidential positions, and no matter how high up the chain he got, he always kept the residents as his number one priority.

The Haas Award winner is also an advocate. Again, Bertolette is very much resident-first, and he is supportive at all different levels.

“Bob is well informed about issues impacting senior care and freely shares his expertise,” Bates said. “His commitment to advocating through LeadingAge PA and our Phoebe Ministries is exemplary. His focus is always on the best care, the improvement of the quality of services we provide, and a broad understanding of the issues regarding seniors, their care, and our services.”

Bertolette is a true advocate who looks out for the best interest of his residents.

“Bertolette has a long record of service and support to LeadingAge PA as well,” Phoebe Ministries President & CEO Scott Stevenson said. “He served as a board member from 2011 to 2017 and served as interim CEO for a time. While on the board of LeadingAge PA, he was involved in numerous committees and task forces.”

No matter what he puts his hands on, Bertolette helps create success. He was a trailblazer during the pandemic, and ever since the 80s he has been a developmental mastermind.

He is very approachable as well, and he is full of accountability. Bertolette is not afraid to talk about his past either, from him bouncing around to different foster homes when he was really young to becoming a caretaker at the age of 16. His vulnerability and experiences have helped turn him into the leader and the compassionate individual he is today.

Speaking of compassion, Bertolette certainly has a connection with the residents. He is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, and they all love having him in their corner.

“Because of his lifelong dedication to helping seniors, I am pleased to recommend Bob Bertolette receive the Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award from LeadingAge PA,” Smith said.

On top of all this, Bertolette has served on countless boards and has been involved in so much in the senior care field. He is a true lifer, and his passion is always prevalent.

“I also know Bob Bertolette through his efforts on Phoebe Ministries’ Governing Board,” Stevenson said. “Bob was elected in 2006 when our organization affiliated with Wyncote Church Home, where he served on their Board of Managers including service as Chairman.”

Beyond that, the morals and values Bertolette presents on a daily basis are completely unmatched. He believes in leaders being hands-on, and that is exactly what he is. He has always been present and practices what he preaches, making him someone a lot of his colleagues look up to.

He is nonjudgmental too, and he is someone you can count on. If you need something or have any questions or issues, Bertolette is going to step right in and help.

“Bob is approachable and demonstrates his care for others in all his interactions with the Phoebe Board and the broader community,” Bates said. “His efforts continue to assist us at Phoebe Ministries in meeting our goals and objectives and accomplishing our mission.”

Bertolette is not showing any signs of slowing down, as he is just always sticking to the mission. He loves what he does too much, and he is great at what he does.

He is anything but conceited too, as he gives everyone around him their flowers. He knows that nothing is accomplished by him alone, and Bertolette appreciates the people around him.

“I firmly believe that this award would not have been possible without surrounding myself with hard-working and committed associates,” he said. “I dedicate and share this recognition to each and every one of them. Without them, I would not have been successful in my career.”

Congratulations to the 2025 Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Robert Bertolette!