Ernest M. “Ernie” Bertalot, 81, of Valdese, passed away on Monday March 23, 2026, at Amorem, Burke Hospice, after a period of declining health.

Ernie was born February 23, 1945, in Burke County, a son of the late Henry and Mary Grill Bertalot. Ernie was a faithful member of the Valdese First United Methodist Church and served his country as a member of the US Army. Ernest joined the Town of Valdese Fire Department in September 1966. He was appointed assistant chief in 1973 and elected Chief in 1988, serving as chief until he retired in December 1998. He also was instrumental in establishing the First Responders in Valdese and Eastern Burke County and was on the staff of Western Piedmont Community College, as an instructor for Hazmat training.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dene Lackey Bertalot and a brother, Benny Bertalot.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Kelly Bertalot Adkins of Valdese, two grandchildren, Steven Day and Jeremy Adkins and one great-grandchild and a number of young people he loved and considered his grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Ernest Bertalot will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday March 30, 2026, in the Valdese First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Brad Hinton officiating. Entombment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with Military Honors by the NC National Guard.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Sunday at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese, where the body will remain until placed in the church 30 min. prior to the services.

Memorials may be made to the Valdese First United Methodist Church, 217 St. Germain Ave. Valdese, NC 28690.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.