Jeffrey N Berthiaume

Jeffrey Norman Berthiaume, 84, of West Boylston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with the family he loved gathered at his side following complications from surgery.

Born on November 11, 1942, in Worcester, Massachusetts, the eldest of seven children, Jeffrey was the son of Elizabeth Ollis Berthiaume and Gaston Berthiaume. He attended Assumption Academy in Worcester before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1965, where he was stationed in the United Kingdom.

Upon returning home, Jeffrey married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Cheryl Giuliano of West Boylston. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, service, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Jeffrey earned his bachelor's degree from Salem State College and his master's degree in education from Worcester State College. He spent many years as a beloved teacher and student advisor in the Worcester Public Schools, where he became known for believing in young people long before they believed in themselves. Among his happiest years in education were those spent advising student leaders and overseeing the annual Student Variety Show at South High School, where he encouraged generations of students to discover confidence, leadership, and their own unique talents.

Though he later enjoyed successful careers as a real estate developer, investor, and financial advisor, Jeffrey never stopped being a teacher at heart. He delighted in mentoring young people, encouraging them to pursue higher education, believe in themselves, and embrace lives filled with purpose.

His commitment to serving others extended well beyond his professional life. As a dedicated member of UNICO National, Jeffrey supported scholarships and educational initiatives benefiting students throughout Worcester County. A faithful member of his church, he served on numerous boards and committees and was instrumental in helping guide Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish through its final years as an active parish community.

Jeffrey's greatest joy outside of family was golf. An accomplished golfer, he was never happier than walking the fairways of Wachusett Country Club with friends. He notably achieved a hole in one on Wachusett's sixth hole. His love of the game began at just twelve years old as a caddie at Worcester Country Club. Through golf, he learned lessons in perseverance, discipline, and friendship that remained with him throughout his life.

Summer was his favorite season. Cape Cod became the backdrop for decades of treasured family memories—long beach days, spirited badminton matches, backyard steak dinners, and evenings dancing beneath the stars to the rock and roll music he loved. Those summers became the heartbeat of family life as he and Cheryl raised their daughters, creating traditions and memories that will continue for generations.

To those who knew him best, Jeffrey will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for how he lived. He trusted the good in everyone. He was always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or quietly help someone in need. Whether as a teacher, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, or friend, he believed that every person deserved to be seen for their potential, and he challenged himself to bring his very best to everything he did.

Jeffrey leaves a legacy of optimism, grit, generosity, and joyful living. He taught those around him that life is fullest when it is spent lifting others, embracing possibility, and leading with accountability and kindness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over six decades, Cheryl Berthiaume; his daughters, Danielle Berthiaume Davis and Stephanie Berthiaume Cowie and her husband, James Cowie; and his cherished grandchildren, Noah Pelty, Ashlyn Inman Pelty, Nina Howland, and Sean Cowie. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

His family finds comfort in knowing that his lessons, his laughter, and his unwavering optimism will continue to live on in all who had the privilege to call him husband, Dad, Gramps, teacher, mentor, partner, and friend.

Services to honor Jeffrey will be held on Tuesday, July 14th, with calling hours at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street from 9:30 am to 11:45 am, followed by a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where his funeral Mass will be held at 12:30 pm U.S. Airforce Honors will follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to Veterans Inc, 60 Salisbury St Worcester 01608.