Alfred Otto Bertsch December 14, 1937 – September 5, 2026
Alfred Otto Bertsch, age 88, passed away on September 5, 2026. Born on December 14, 1937, he was raised in Pforzheim Germany, growing up during the turbulence of World War II. As a young adult he decided to leave Germany and find opportunity in the United States.
A proud 22-year veteran, and Major, of the United States Army, Alfred honorably served our country in Vietnam and Korea. Later, he shared his leadership and knowledge teaching at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport R.I., and as an ROTC instructor at Providence College from where he also had earned an MBA.
Following his military career, he founded his own successful business, based in East Providence, R.I., servicing military projects.
Outside of his military and professional career, Alfred lived life with an adventurous, curious spirit and had a passion for learning. He was an avid reader and an outdoor enthusiast who found joy in sailing, hiking, skiing, and tending to his gardens. He loved traveling around the world, and especially Florence, Italy where Alfred and his wife Elsa often visited for months at a time. Later in life, he took great pleasure in cooking, specifically perfecting his signature pasta bolognese.
In his retirement years, Alfred devoted time to managing key renovation and construction improvements at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, R.I.—a historic estate he and his wife truly loved and held dear.
He was predeceased by his parents, Otto Bertsch and Irmgard (Merz) Bertsch.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elsa; his sister, Gudrun; his children, Karina and her husband William, Christina and her husband David, and John and his wife Julie. He also leaves three cherished grandchildren, Isabella, Pierson and Evelyn.
A Celebration of Life will take place on October 12, 2026, at Blithewold Manor in Bristol, R.I., from 11am - 1pm.