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Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino
Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino
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Stephen A. Bertolino Obituary
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Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
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Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
He was so tall and our mom was 5'1 she'd go to slap him when he got in trouble he would hold his arm out with hand on her head and all she could do was swing he'd crack and finally she would.
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 26, 2024
SFC William Fleming
December 1, 2022
29 November in western Iraq at 1630 hours we lost him I was with Tony the night before he had been talking about his kids 3 boys and a girl said that he called his daughter monkey as a nick name as the day end with his lost I can still feel his presence around me as he watched over his soldier tell Valhalla Brother
Andrew Pearson
October 7, 2022
Thinking of and remembering him today. He's a man that will never be forgotten by anyone that's met him. Godbless and rest in peace. Love and prayers to his family- I want you all to know how well he is remembered even nearly 20 years later.
Clarence Gilbert
May 30, 2022
Thinking of you this Memorial Day. We spent a lot of time together.
Michelle Bertolino Morris
November 19, 2021
I check this page every year, today I got a notice in my email that packages were being sent in your honor, I'm laying here crying while reading memorials that people have left for you, I'm so proud of you Tony. My oldest grandson Asher keeps a picture of you close to his heart, he's 9 years old and he sometimes looks at your memorial wall I have and he cries. It's hard to believe that In a week in a half will mark 18 years since you left us. TJ has 2 boys Karina has a baby boy, Jason has a baby boy and Daniel and his wife are expecting a boy in March. We're living in Ga. now to be close to Cliff and his family, his wife is from Hartwell they moved here in 2017 for better jobs and we followed a year later. It's a small city right by a lake so beautiful. You're loved and missed everyday Tony. ❤
Charlie Gili
November 17, 2021
Hello,
We apologize for being so late in expressing our deepest condolences to you and your family. We want you to know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this holiday season and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo, service branch, rank and hometown of Stephen A. Bertolino US Army Staff Sergeant.
We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
James Moreno
February 8, 2020
We were neighbors and we both served with 3d ACR. Tony was a great guy & very funny. I always remember he came across the street and told me, "What are you doing man? (I was working on staining my fence) You are making me look bad. You keep working around the house & now I have to do it. It was all in fun and just being neighbors. My kids played with his kids. RIP Brother! You will never be forgotten!
Tony Bertolino
December 1, 2018
Thank you for sharing about my dad. I love reading about your experiences with him.
Tony Bertolino
November 27, 2018
I miss him immensely.
Michael Muñoz
May 25, 2015
Remembering you today Bert as well as everyday. You are missed and Remembered with Honor.
TJ, Daniela and Ezra came for a visit to Kentucky...
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 23, 2015
Gone but not forgotten, I miss you so much Tony, you'd be so proud of the kids,Tj and Daniela have given you a precious grandson.... I love you little brother ♥
Chris Lillibridge
April 28, 2015
To Steve's Family: Steve was my best friend in our Unit. We were both Squad Leaders at that time in different platoons within AVIM Troop. We went on many convoy missions together. We both had this notion that we were older, and our soldiers younger; it was better that we would go on the missions outside the perimeter. Steve had my back, always. He was not a brazen man, but he was very brave. Remembering the good things is easier now, and I think about the good things that Steve gave me every day. He brought me back to God. He knew he could depend on me, as I him. I trusted him with my life more times than I care to remember. I have so much regret for living when Steve did not. He always, and I mean always, spoke about you, and his children. He loved you deeply and was an honorable man. It was and remains an honor for me that he called me his friend. My nickname in the unit was "LB," for my last name. I called Steve, simply, Bert. He sometimes called me superman. I was the only man in the company to ever beat him arm wrestling--but in truth, I think he gave it to me because it was impromptu in front of my squad. But there, you have it, Steve saw past so many small things to what was most important. The VA reviewed my records as part of the retirement process. Because of my combat time I had to go see a shrink before I retired from the Army. The guy asked me how often I thought about Iraq? I said to him, do you know how I know you have never been to combat? He said no. I said, if you had, you would have asked how often am I able not think about Iraq? I think about Steve every day. I can still hear him laughing at me the way he did. Though I do suffer from PTSD from two more successive tours, I am able to live a full life. This is both a blessing and a course. I am trying to find a way to let it go, without forgetting. I want you and your children to know how much he talked about you, every mission, how he prayed for you and his kids. He prayed, even for me, amongst men he did not know. He even prayed for our enemy. His faith was so strong. I must admit to you that I admired him, not just as my friend, but as a man of great heart, of great strength and great love. I can tell you that I have many, many wonderful memories of Steve that make me laugh. I am trying to learn how to celebrate his life, and the time he was here, and the time we had as friends. This is, I guess, part of that process. It has taken me 15 years. I am sorry it has taken me so long to reach out to you. I hope this finds you well and your children doing well in school. I lost track of them some time ago; I would like them to know how great their dad really was. I said goodbye to Steve, right there on Al Assad, but I haven't really let go.
Sincerely,
SFC(R) Chris F. Lillibridge
980 Quail Ridge Road
Salado, TX 76571
Andrew Pearson
March 26, 2014
I didn't work directly with SSG Bertolino, but I vividly remember his smile everytime we crossed paths. He had the biggest smile that made you feel right at home, even in the middle of the desert. It's been over ten years, and I still distinctly remember him. He's not a man that can be forgotten, he had a comforting presence and was a great person. May he rest in peace knowing how much of a positive impact he left on this world, and may his family find comfort in the strength and beauty of his memory.
Margaro Garcia (U.S Army Ret.)
January 6, 2014
Bertolino, you come through my mind sometimes and I always remember the good old days that we shared while I was your Platoon Sergeant at HAAF. In loving memory of a wonderful person and soldier. Deeply miss you. God Bless your family.
Ray Robertson
November 30, 2012
Hi All - just wanted to leave my memories of a great and honorable man - that was Tony Bertolino! He was and still is my older brother I never had - he married my sister Susan and treated her well and raised respectful kids that will always hold their father close in their hearts. He was an example to us all for in his service to all those around him. There's no doubt in my mind that he was called to his heavenly home to perform more selfless service. I miss and love you Tony!
~ Ray
Gloria Lopez
October 28, 2012
Mrs Bertolino,it's an Honor to send you this message. Your husband was in my unit and every year around this time it's hard for me because I feel your pain. I'm so sorry with what you had to go through. I'm not good with words but your husband was a Great NCO who cared for his soldiers. He would call me " Megabyte" because I'm short but with his smile and dimples I would pull through. You Mrs B as a wonderful caring Wife showed thru him. I want to thank you for the Christmas tree. When we finally received it we were so sad and heart broken but we set it up in your husband's honor and his family's name. We were heartbroken for your lost but we were grateful for the gift in his name. I would never forget Ssg Bertolino. If you need anything I will try my best to help. Even after almost 9 years I'm still grieving for a wonderful Soldier I ever met. Thank you and God Bless you And your Family.
Gloria Lopez
October 28, 2012
SSG B. I'm still thinking of you after all these years. ( almost 9 years) I was very grateful meeting you. I'm so sorry. You was not suppose to be on that convoy But you choose too to deliver mail to your soldiers, who was out there on a mission. I will never forget you and always think of you. You only meet a few people in your life who had an impact and you was one of them in my life. I deployed with you and knew you. We received the Christmas tree your wife mailed and we set it up in your honor. I was blessed in meeting you. I thank you for the Soldier you was and God Bless Your Family..
May 28, 2012
With a heavy heart, I wish to offer my sorrow to the Bertolino family that he is not here to participate in Memorial Day activities today. May his children continue to be well, as the Bible says, "Even those who suffer are blessed."
Susan Bertolino Jensen
May 18, 2012
This is the wife of Tony, SSG Bertolino, BERT, Steven or whatever other name you knew him by.I just found this site and evjoyed reading all the comments. Thank you and know that his legacy lives on in his 4 amazing children who remind me of him every day. Thank you for honoring him as well
a day I'll never forget
Michelle Bertolino Morris
May 18, 2012
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you Tony, I'll never forget the last time we spoke, I gave you a hug and kiss and whispered please be careful and that I loved you, you told me if my Heavenly Father is ready for me then I'm ready to greet him.... I never thought it would happen, but it did, I am so very proud of you little brother, looking forward to the day I can get another hug from you and Mom... "you gave your todays for our tomorrows" Thank you I love you
Susan Bertolino Jensen
May 18, 2012
Hey Tony, I'm going to DC for Memorial Day and my heart will be heavy but to you and all his friends just know that your children are amazing and remind me of you every day. We miss you and love you.
Susan
Peggy Childers
November 30, 2011
November 29, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino:
Please accept my remembrance of Stephen on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
S. Allen
November 29, 2011
Remembering SSgt Bertolino on this day especially. This HERO will NEVER be forgotten.
William Copeland
November 11, 2011
On this Veterans Day I honor my brother at arms and my friend in life SSG Stephen Bertolino. And to Susan, Stephen JR., Daniel, Karin and Jason thank you for sharing Bert, for he was a pleasure to know. My thoughts are always with you all. Like Bert always would say "May God Bless" The Copelands
Cheri and Peter Crouch
May 30, 2011
Not a day goes by that we don't think of SSG Bert. Great leader, great soldier, great man.
Michael Muñoz
May 30, 2011
Bert, this memorial day weekend, lighting a candle in your memory. You are truly mised
May 26, 2011
I will always remember you my friend.
Ted Odle SFC(R)
Peggy Childers
November 29, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino:
Remembering Stephen on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
S. Allen
May 31, 2010
Never to be forgotten an American Hero. Thank You.
Kenna
December 7, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
In Memory of Stephen ~ (Debra Estep)
December 3, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and
prayers especially his children.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Stephen, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Day, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino:
Stephen gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Jeffrey Paca
September 9, 2008
I am deeply sadened by Stephens lose. I met Tony a few times in Va. through his brother Mark, whom I have known for almost 15 years and have served with in the Navy. From what I knew of Tony, he was full of life and always had a smile on his face. He was close to his brother Mark. They both injoyed clowning around and picking at each other, which is a strong bond that all close brothers share and a way of showing their love for one another. I am certain, that Tony and I would have become great friends, as his brother Mark and I are. His lose is felt deep within my heart. I wish his family all the strength and God's blessings.
R Collis
July 23, 2008
It is difficult to know what to say since I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Staff Sgt Bertolino. Please know that your loved one is not forgotten. I wish everyone impacted by this tragic loss strength and peace. I hope that Staff Sgt Bertolino knew that there are people in America who respect his great courage in serving as a member of the US military. Although I did not know him, I know that he must have been a very special person to be willing to do something that most Americans will never experience, and for that we can never say thank you enough.
Thank you Staff Sgt Bertolino!
the Buck family
May 26, 2008
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God bless and comfort your family.
March 22, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Bertolino!
Claudia Torres
January 9, 2008
I recently found this website, now I visit often. I was very lucky to have known SSG "B." I served with him in Ft. Carson and deployed with him to Iraq. SSG B was a clear example of a great soldier and person. He was always ready to help. Boy- he was loud. I loved that about him. I could never be mad or depressed because SSG B would be there with a great big smile. I have many fond memories of your hero. I'm sorry it took so long to say this but I'm sorry for your loss. I know that time doesn't make things easier but I hope you find comfort in knowing that you really had a wonderful husband and father. My prayers are always with you.
Taken at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq
November 14, 2007
August 6, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Damon Walz
August 2, 2007
Definitely a man you'll never forget. Good of heart, and friendly as can be. A true leader, and friend.
Damon Walz
July 7, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Bertolino and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless you all!!
Robert Kuhns
May 5, 2007
He was my Plt SGT in Iraq. He was a good guy, helped me get promoted.
Ted Odle
January 10, 2007
Stephen is forever on my mind.
I was his roomate in Korea.
Garnet Jenkins
November 28, 2006
In remembrance of Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Bertolino, on this 3rd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
May Stephen, rest safely in the Loving Care of God and know that he is a True American hero, that shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Bertolino family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice,
My brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country remembers Stephen's sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Jerry Robinson
May 21, 2006
My deepest sympathy goes to his great Family, I am so gratful for the chance to work with him.
I am sorry to have known him for such a short time.
Don Joyner
February 3, 2006
I knew Steve back in high school. He was a tall man in a small city. His smile was as big as the the world we live in. When I knew him he was a somewhat quiet big hearted man.He always had a quick smile and a funny comment. Although I hadn't seen him since high school, his departure hit me hard. I come from a military family; so I know the sacrifice given by those who come back. I can't imagine the sacrifice of the soldiers and families of those who don't come back. Without these people where would our country be? He fought for all of us not, just his family and that is a nobel way to live your life.If the world had more Steve's maybe we would'nt be in this situation. He will be missed!
Shane Woods
December 21, 2005
My heart goes out to SSG Bertolino's family. I knew him through recruiting (various run-ins with him at San Diego MEPS). He was always happy and friendly - that's how I will always remember him.
Laurie Koch
September 21, 2005
I did not know SSG. Bertolino but I have the bulletin from his memorial service. My husband and I were stationed at Fort Carson and my husband went to his service. He came home and he broke down when he told me about the wife and children he had seen left behind. I pray that God can comfort them all until they see their husband and daddy again in heaven. Thank you SSG. Bertolino
AIEEAH !!!! 3rd ACR
Clarence Gilbert
July 23, 2005
While stationed at HAAF, GA I had the pleasure of serving with SSG Bertolino. He was a good man who cared a lot about his toops and the people around him. Always the one to lead a charge, he was always motivated. I remember kidding him about being a former Marine and having lengthy discussions about firearms. Above all, he was a good person who will be missed.
Our thoughs and prayers are with him and his family.
Clarence Gilbert
Aco 603rd ASB Avionics Plt.
HAAF GA
1994-1997
robert maughan
June 3, 2005
TO STAFF SGT BERTOLINO FAMILY MY SYMPATHY. HE WAS ONE OF AMERICAS BEST.
Johnnie Eslinger
May 30, 2005
Although I didn't know SSG Bertolino well when he was stationed at Hunter AAF, I respected him very much. He was a completely professional soldier. Always respectful to his superiors and obviously cared about his soldiers. I was grieved to hear of his loss. A deep felt gratitude to his family. May God bless you with a peace that passes understanding!
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