Robert Papingu, known to his friends and family as Berti, lived a life defined by courage, perseverance, and devotion to his family.

Berti grew up in communist Albania, where opportunity and freedom were limited. After the fall of communism, he and his family immigrated to Greece in search of a better future. Eventually, they were granted refugee status and given the chance to come to the United States—a country they were proud to call home. Though they never had great financial wealth, Berti and his wife Alma built an honest life through hard work, resilience, and their commitment to contributing to their community. They lived with dignity, gratitude, and hope, and raised two wonderful daughters who were the center of Berti’s world.

Three years ago, Berti was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Doctors initially gave him just one year to live. True to his character, he faced his diagnosis with courage and determination. With the support of Alma and his medical team, he fought bravely and was blessed with two additional years—time he cherished deeply with his family. His strength during this battle was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Now, Berti is in hospice care, spending his final days surrounded by the people he loves most. As his family prepares for the unimaginable loss of a devoted husband and loving father, they are also facing the financial burden of burial and end-of-life expenses. After years of medical treatments and mounting bills, these final costs are more than Alma and the family can manage alone.

We are asking for your help to give Berti the dignified farewell he deserves and to support Alma and his daughters during this incredibly difficult time.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden on his family and allow them to focus on honoring his life and grieving their loss. If you are unable to give, sharing this page would also mean so much.

Berti’s life was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and love. Thank you for helping his family honor his memory.