Remembering PFC Matthew Bertolino ~ NH Hero

– Killed February 9, 2006 when the vehicle in which he was traveling in rolled over during a combat patrol near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii

Matthew’s favorite saying was – “Everyone is alive, but not everyone truly lives.”

Never Forget TO REMEMBER IS TO HONOR…

The following was shared by Joyce, his mom:
Matt was the third child of Joyce and Stanley Bertolino. He is survived by his two older sisters, Kristen and Kimberly.
He was mature far beyond his twenty years, yet still had a childlike innocence about him.
His smile could light up a room.
His laugh was contagious.
His hugs could take your breath away.

Matthew felt a deep calling to serve his country: he believed it to be his duty.
He wanted to make this a better world for everyone.
He was proud to be an American and equally proud to be a Marine.
Matthew wrote a letter to his sister from boot camp saying that, “he left a boy, became a man, and was returning a Marine.”
To Matt, it was a privilege and an honor to be a Marine.
He wanted to become a police officer in New Hampshire when his tour of duty was over. He felt that was a way he could continue to serve and help others. He once told his mother that it would be the perfect job for him.

A scholarship fund has been established in Matts honor at his high school, Pinkerton Academy, for seniors pursuing a career in the criminal justice field.

Matt’s family asks each year that the winners please take Matt along with them on their journey, because they are living his dream.

Matthew was extremely loving and generous. Friends and family knew that he could always be counted on when needed. His support and help to his mother, at an early age, was remarkable.
He always put others first, even taking his mother to a movie on Friday night rather than going with his friends because he knew she wanted to go.

Matt loved the outdoors. He had considered landscaping as a career for a while. His home has many gardens, rock walls and walkways that he created. Each one is a gorgeous gift. Family feels very close to Matt when outside.

His mother has created a Memorial Garden for Matt at their home. It is her sanctuary. Family and friends come to visit him there. The garden has been expanded to honor other New Hampshire soldiers that have fallen as well.

Carpentry was also something Matt enjoyed. His grandfather was a carpenter. They both loved creating with their hands. Matt briefly worked with a craftsman, learning the art of cabinet making. He designed and built new kitchen cabinets in his family home. He had them partially installed before leaving for boot camp.

Seeing all his beautiful craftsmanship around their home daily, keeps him close…

Matt’s jeep was another passion that he had. He worked two jobs to have it paid off before joining the Marines. Countless hours were spent taking it apart and fixing and improving things on it. He wanted to make it just perfect. He loved going for long rides with the top off, listening to his music. It was a great place for him to be. His mother has kept his jeep and drives it daily, taking Matt with her.

Matt loved sports. He was a Red Sox and Patriots fan. He played football with friends and wrestled for Pinkerton Academy.
He loved the snow: skiing, snowboarding, and snow shoeing were all favorite pastimes.

The last family trip was to the White Mountains to ski and snowshoe.

He would also golf and play paintball with his dad.

Several times a week he would be at the gym working out. He even put a weight lifting bench in his room at home. Being physically fit was very important to Matt.

Matthew wanted to see the world. He believed he would have that opportunity as a Marine.

He planned on getting a tattoo and wanted it to read “Everyone is alive, but not everyone truly lives.”

We wonder daily what great things he could have done if his earthly time had not have been cut so short.

Everyone that knew Matt was blessed. His presence alone was great. He is deeply missed.

Matthew was a gift. Every memory is cherished. Family asks that he NEVER be forgotten.

Remember his service and sacrifice.

Please remember MATT.