Fords Residents Mourn Man Killed In Edison Gas Station Robbery

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — As police still continue to search for the person who brutally shot and killed an Edison gas station attendant, the Woodbridge and Edison communities, particularly the small, tight-knit Fords area, are mourning the local man, described as "a gentle giant."

In fact, visitation for John Bertram will be this Thursday, Dec. 27 from 2-4 p.m. at Flynn and Son Funeral Home on Ford Avenue in Fords.

Bertram, 38, was working at the Speedway gas station on Amboy Avenue when he was fatally shot Dec. 20. It was 4 a.m.: The suspect, with a black ski mask over his face, entered the gas station and held Bertram up with a handgun, the Middlesex County prosecutor said. Bertram handed over the cash register drawer and — despite the fact that he had been given the cash — the suspect fired a single shot, killing Bertram.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

"I always stopped into that gas station after calls," said Tim Castleton, an Edison firefighter. The firehouse is located right next door. "He was the overnight, behind-the-counter guy. After a fire late at night, I'd always stop in for Gatorade or snacks. He was always really nice and friendly, very courteous."

Many people who live in the Fords area know Bertram, another Woodbridge resident told Patch. He was born in Edison and lived in this area for most of his life. He had worked at the Speedway for the past eight months, and was known for how much he loved his dogs, Bear and Angel.

"He was a gentle giant, always helpful, and a man true to his word," his obituary read. "He loved to garden and will be missed by all who knew him."

"He loved animals and was a loyal person ... he always stood by his word," wrote a friend, Holly Fox, on this GoFundMe page set up for his family.

"I will always remember how John treated me with kindness and understanding when we were kids. My heart goes out to his family," wrote another friend, Seth Karecha.

Bertram's father, John G. Bertram, passed away in 2017. He is survived by his mother, Donna L. Hussey Bertram, who lives in Hamilton and his brother, who lives in Fords.

Visitation will be on Thursday December 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home 23 Ford Avenue, Fords. A funeral service will be held during the visiting hours. In lieu of flowers contributions are requested to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter.

Meanwhile, as Patch reported, the Middlesex County prosecutor's office is investigating similarities between the Dec. 20 murder and a similar incident at a gas station on Long Island: A 7-11 in West Babylon was robbed late at night on Dec. 19, just hours before the Edison Speedway was robbed. The suspect in the Long Island robbery was similarly wearing dark gloves, a hoodie, acid wash jeans and a mask. Released by the Suffolk County police, here is video of the West Babylon, Long Island robbery:

The suspect in the Edison murder was described as having a "slight build" who is wearing light colored pants, possibly jeans, a maroon hoodie, a mask and gloves. Here is the suspect in the Dec. 20 Edison gas station robbery:

Top photos from GoFundMe, a promotional partner with Patch.