AJ Wentworth

PLEASE NOTE: This obituary is being placed on our website as a courtesy to the family. The Hullinger Mortuary is not handling any part of these services.

Alan James "AJ" Wentworth passed away on October 1, 2026, at the age of 41 in Mesquite, Nevada, while spending time with his parents.

Born and raised in Roosevelt, Utah, AJ had an active and adventurous childhood. In his younger days he participated in karate, bowling, archery, go-karting, skateboarding, snow skiing and just about anything guaranteed to worry his mother. He was a dedicated Cub Scout and Boy Scout, participating fully in all activities and ultimately earning his Eagle Scout award. Despite his small size, he fearlessly tried a season of football, playing proudly alongside teammates who stood a head taller and weighed 50 pounds more.

AJ graduated from Union High School, where his diverse talents excelled. He was a proud member of the swim team, played trumpet and drums in the jazz band, and served as Student Body Historian. AJ was deeply creative. Encouraged by teachers, he explored art through stained glass, clay sculpting, and oil painting. He also enjoyed working with wood in cabinetry classes. During his high school years he became an avid gamer and snowboarder.

AJ attended Dixie College in St. George, Utah. He was an ambassador for the school and encouraged others to attend. He met many of his life-long friends at Dixie. AJ’s love for learning eventually took him around the country. He achieved skills in raw and vegan food preparation at the Tree of Life in Patagonia, Arizona. He lived in Bellingham, Washington, for two years working in the food industry. He also resided in Ridgefield, Connecticut, living with his Grandma Sally. In New York City, he studied at the School for Integrative Nutrition. He graduated as a nutritional counselor.

While working as a counselor in New York, AJ began developing his signature honey-sweetened, raw, artisan chocolate, which led to the start of his business The Chocolate Conspiracy. For 17 years AJ poured his heart into his work as owner and chocolatier, making Salt Lake City his primary residence. He became a respected figure in the Utah chocolate community. He loved connecting face-to-face by teaching chocolate classes, spending countless hours at farmers markets and showcasing his craft at chocolate and food shows across the United States.

Beyond his professional endeavors, AJ had many interests. He loved animals, especially his two devoted cats, Phoebe and Lucy. He loved music deeply—both as a musician and as an avid concert-goer following his favorite jam bands. He loved attending live comedy shows, traveling, camping, and seeking out almost any type of outdoor adventure. However, his true passion remained making and experimenting with chocolate.

AJ valued family, health, business, education and adventure. He had a fierce loyalty and love for his friends and fellow chocolatiers. He loved without judgment or reservation.

AJ is survived by his loving wife, Erika Olson; his parents, Kirk and Terri; his brother Kristopher and husband Jeff Mathews; his brother Patrick and partner Brandon Lee. AJ was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew.

A Celebration of Life for AJ is planned for November 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. More details will be forthcoming. A family remembrance will be held in the summer of 2027 in Roosevelt, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, or to support Erika, his wife, during this time, contributions may be made via GoFundMe https://gofund.me/bd991c391