Who is Uncle Bert from The Man Who Loved Clowns and what is their importance?

Uncle Bert becomes Delrita and Punky's legal guardian after their parents die in a car accident. Uncle Bert is described as a stout man, who wears a toupee. He loves Punky and wants the best for him, but he is also understandably overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising him. Uncle Bert is an excellent stand-in father for Delrita, and it's clear that she will thrive in his household.