Arthur John Alden

Arthur John Alden, 77, of Bedford, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Art was born on June 19, 1948, in Pasto, Colombia, to the late John and Margaret Alden. He was raised in Vestal, New York, with strong values of integrity, hard work, loyalty, and devotion to family, principles he lived by every day.

Art graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1970 and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the United States Army. He later returned to West Point as a Math Professor, a role he treasured. Shaping the future leaders of the nation was his proudest professional accomplishment, and he approached it with both intellectual rigor and a quiet sense of humor that his students came to appreciate. Beyond the classroom, he formed lifelong friendships with his classmates, bonds that remained strong throughout his life. After concluding his military career, Art continued his service to the country for another 35 years working with defense contractors.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Art found joy on the golf course, where, despite an inability to find many greens in regulation, he pursued the elusive sub-80 round with determination and optimism. He loved time with family and friends, especially when it involved cheering from the sidelines. He coached many of his children’s youth sports teams, offering equal parts instruction, encouragement, and post-game analysis.

But his greatest title, and the one he wore most proudly, was “Pappy.” At his peak, he rarely missed a game, recital, or event, and if he did, he was sure to get the post-game analysis. He delighted in watching his grandchildren grow, compete, and discover their own unique strengths. Being their “Pappy” was one of the true joys of his life.

Art is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 55 years, Jackie (Taylor) Alden of Bedford, New Hampshire, his steady partner in life, laughter, and everything in between. He is also survived by his children: Holly O’Neill and her husband Jerry of Marblehead, Massachusetts; Tim Alden and his wife Maria of Chatham, New Jersey; and Mike Alden and his wife Kara of Collegeville, Pennsylvania.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Callie, Mac, and Miles O’Neill; Annie, Abby, and Emmie Alden; and Brooke Newhard and Asher Alden, each of whom brought him immeasurable pride and joy. Art is also survived by his siblings and their spouses, John Alden and Nancy Florig of Norristown, Pennsylvania; Mike and Mary Kay Alden of Liverpool, New York; and his brother-in-law John Taylor, and his sister-in-law, Carleen Taylor of Vestal, New York, along with countless nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Lucy Alden Letmon, of Kissimmee, Florida.

Art was a loving husband, father, Pappy, brother, teacher, coach, and friend. He led with strength, steadiness, a quiet wit, and a sense of humor. His family will miss his guidance, his presence in the stands, his stories, and his unwavering support, but they will carry forward the values and love he so generously shared.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester from 4pm to 7pm. A celebration of life followed by a luncheon will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford at 11:30am. Burial will be held privately in the spring at Bedford Center Cemetery, Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Art’s memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes that reflect his lifelong commitment to service and care for others.