Colonel Stephen John Bertocchi, U.S. Army (Retired), of Annapolis, Md., passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Though his passing came too soon for those who loved him, Stephen leaves behind a life defined by service, devotion to family, and friendships that reached around the world.
Stephen was born on March 4, 1952, in Queens, New York, the son of Rosemary Bertocchi and the late Lester Bertocchi. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1969 in Manhattan, New York. He went on to attend The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Modern Languages and began the path that would define much of his life—service to his country.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps, Stephen served his nation with dedication and pride for more than 28 years. His military career took him across the United States and overseas, including assignments at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and several tours in Germany in Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Wiesbaden. He also served with the 5th Signal Command, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., and later as Deputy Director of Command-and-Control Systems at the Pentagon.
While Stephen valued every mission and responsibility entrusted to him, one assignment changed his life in the best possible way. While serving with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he met the love of his life, Belle Faucette Ricketson. The two were married on October 7, 1989, beginning a partnership built on love, loyalty, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Belle walked beside him through the remainder of his military career and into retirement, sharing every step of the journey.
Stephen’s distinguished service was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Merit (Sixth Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (Second Award), Army Commendation Medal (Second Award), Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Third Award), the Master Parachutist Badge, Special Forces Tab, and the Recruiter Badge.
While living in Germany, Stephen discovered one of his favorite passions—international Volksmarches, long-distance walking events that brought together endurance, travel, and camaraderie. Over the years he proudly completed more than 5,500 kilometers of marches, always working toward his personal goal of 6,500 kilometers.
Following his retirement from the Army, Stephen continued his service through a second career in the defense community. He worked as Senior Program Manager with ManTech International Corporation in Glen Echo, Maryland, and later with CACI in Arlington, Virginia, where his experience and leadership were highly respected.
Stephen also remained active in his faith and community. He joined the Knights of Columbus Council 11552 at St. Andrew by the Bay in Arnold, Maryland, where he became a Fourth Degree Knight and later served as Grand Knight.
Stephen is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Belle Faucette Ricketson Bertocchi, and their cherished companion of eight years, Gumdrop. He is also survived by his mother, Rosemary Bertocchi; his sister, Luann Cimino (Joseph); his sister-in-law, Paula Faucette (Dale Kleiner); his brother-in-law, Charles Robert Faucette (Pat); and many nieces and nephews including Joseph Cimino, Becky Bast (Jason Evans), Eric Bast Jr. (Sarah), Jennifer Price (Colt), Heather Kleiner, and Robert Faucette. He also leaves several great-nieces and great-nephews: Serenity Bast (Tyler Smith), Essynce Bast, Gabriel Martinez, Maddie Price, and Michael Price, along with extended family and dear friends across the country and around the world.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Bertocchi.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, March 26th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 149 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, Maryland. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
His boots may finally be at rest, but the path he walked in service, love, and friendship will remain long after him.