Bertram Seymour Alleyne II Obituary
Bertram “Bertie” Seymour Alleyne II, long-time community activist and resident of Roxbury, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 8, 2017, the day after his 80th birthday.
Bertram was born in Boston on October 7, 1937 to Kenneth and Eileen (Walcott) Alleyne of Cambridge. He graduated from Boston Technical High School and then went on to study at UMass Boston and Boston College.
Bertram was the owner and operator of Protect-O-Alarm Security Systems Patrol, Inc. for over 35 years. For over a decade and up until his passing, he served as Alumni Researcher for the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. (METCO, Inc.).
Bertram was a mentor to young people, especially young black men, throughout much his life as evidenced by his involvement in organizations such as the Black Big Brothers Alliance of Massachusetts, Roxbury Boys Club, and other community organizations.
He was known to be a serious, no-nonsense type of man when it came to improving his neighborhood, specifically in regard to urban development. Driven to make a difference in the neighborhood dearest to his heart—Grove Hall—Bertram accomplished much in this regard by assisting with the inspiring revitalization of Grove Hall through his involvement in Project R.I.G.H.T. Inc., and by serving on the Grove Hall Commercial Investments Board of Directors and the Greater Grove Hall Main Streets Board of Directors.
Bertram had a profound impact on his community. His passion for equality and justice inspired others to act, and Boston is a better place for having had a community champion like Bertram. He embraced life to the fullest: he lived, laughed, danced, and drummed with passion.
Bertram was preceded in death by his parents, and his fiancée and loving partner of 16 years, Katheryne Harris. He is survived by his daughters, Elisa Vega-Burns and Abena Cook, and a host of loving extended family members and long-time friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 at the 12th Baptist Church, 160 Warren St., Boston, MA. Visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral ceremony at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at 1:15 PM at Forest Hills Cemetery, Boston, MA.
