Alan Robert Berthiaume

Alan R. Berthiaume, 56, of Herriman, Utah, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, October 14, 2024. 

Mr. Berthiaume was born June 8, 1968 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Marian Hill Catholic High School in Southbridge, Massachusetts in 1986 where he enjoyed playing ice hockey. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Army where he served for 26 years and 6 months retiring as a Sergeant First Class. He served 16 years in Infantry, and 9 years in the Mountain Company Special Forces. He also served as a Fire Team Leader, Army Basic Instructor, Petroleum Fuel Specialist, Automated Logistical Specialist, Water Purification Engineer, Stock Control Supervisor, Section Chief Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant. He shipped overseas three times in the 1990s and was assigned to Homeland Security during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

During his service, Mr. Berthiaume was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Lifesaver Award, Dragon Gunner Award, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal as a member of the First Battalion 181st Infantry 26th (Yankee) Infantry Division, Persian Gulf Operation Award, Desert Storm Service Ribbon with Gold Star, Operation Endure Freedom, Army Achievement Medal, Army NCO Ribbon, Massachusetts Defense Ribbon, Massachusetts Emergency Service Ribbon, and the Fort Dix Installation Support Battalion Commander’s Award for Excellence. 

In one of the recommendations for award in 2003, Mr. Berthiaume’s Commander wrote: “Sgt. Berthiaume showed outstanding initiative during “Operation Enduring Freedom”, Sgt. Berthiaume demonstrated excellent organizational skills to ensure training was done to standard at all times. Sgt. Berthiaume set the example by displaying sound tactical skills throughout the Fort Dix training in preparation for deployment. Sgt. Berthiaume answered the nation’s call of duty. Sgt. Berthiaume was prepared to do whatever he was asked. He proved a driving force in the protection of our country and our values as Americans. Sgt. Berthiaume is a credit to the United States Army and most notably to his loved ones for being prepared to protect the way of life all Americans have come to know and love.” 

When Mr. Berthiaume reached his 20 years of service, he decided to apply for retention for six more years. In his application letter he wrote: “I am SFC Alan R. Berthiaume. I want to let you know how much I love the Army and look forward to serving my country. I put the welfare of the Nation, the Army, and subordinates before my own. I have continued my training to keep myself technically and tactically proficient, to have more knowledge, and to keep my skills up to date. I have always passed my PT tests. I do have a genuine concern for soldiers, and I try my best to always set a good example for them to see and follow. I would be an excellent choice for retention.”

Mr. Berthiaume always followed his heart. In February of 2002, he met his beloved wife Verena at a Valentine’s Day single adults church dance in New Haven, Connecticut. He immediately knew that she was the one. He traveled to Argentina three months later to propose to her without knowing how to speak in Spanish and hoping that she would be at the airport to receive him. They got married on July 4th, 2002 after seeing each other only 4 times. Together they built a beautiful family that was blessed with four children, Kylie, Natalie, Sophia, and Michael.

Mr. Berthiaume was a loving father and actively participated in the school PTO during his children's elementary years. He also served actively in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holding several callings at the ward and stake levels. He served as a faithful temple worker in the Boston Temple from 2013-2016.

Mr. Berthiaume loved to be involved in community service as well. He served as a Boy Scouts Merit Badge Counselor for Troop 254. He served in the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard for 7 years providing military honors for fallen servicemen. He served as a member of the Casualty Assistance Platoon (CAP) in New Jersey assisting in the representation of proper burial for servicemen and showing the families of these soldiers that their loved one will never be forgotten. He served as a Selectman for the Town of Oxford, Massachusetts for 6 years. In November of 2017, Mr. Berthiaume was presented an award for “Outstanding Community Service to the Honor Guard and Town of Oxford”.

He was a carpenter by trade, and a member of the Executive Board for the Union Carpenter Local 107 in Worcester, MA. Mr. Berthiaume loved to build; it took him 7.5 years to build a log home for his family in between active-duty assignments. He loved to ride motorcycles. He was an active member and road captain of the Sheldon’s Harley Owners Group Worcester Chapter 3811 in Auburn, MA.

In December 2016, Mr. Berthiaume was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease which he valiantly battled for the last 8 years of his life.

Mr. Berthiaume was preceded in death by his father Robert F. Berthiaume who died in 2004 and his mother Phyllis T. Berthiaume who died in 2011 of Massachusetts. Mr. Berthiaume is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Verena E. Berthiaume, and their four children Kylie M. Berthiaume, Natalie A. Berthiaume, Sophia V. Berthiaume, and Michael R. Berthiaume of Herriman, Utah. 

Funeral services will be held at 11AM MST on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Providence Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located 4617 West Patriot Ridge Drive in Herriman, Utah. Viewings will take place Sunday evening from 6-8PM MST at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah as well at prior to funeral services at the Ward Monday beginning at 10AM MST. Interment will immediately follow at the Utah Veteran’s Cemetery and Memorial Park, 17111 South Redwood Road in Bluffdale, Utah with military funeral honors.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the “Watch Services” link above.