Alfred Harry "Al" LaLonde, '51
Alfred Harry "Al" LaLonde, '51, passed away on February 10, 2018 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Former BTNAA Board Member and Lifetime Member.
Al was born in Detroit, MI on January 4, 1933, the son of Joseph and Marie (Willis) LaLonde. Al graduated in 1951 from Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska.
He joined the Navy the year he got out of school. While he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval base he met his future wife Priscilla Rittall. They were married in 1955 in Great Lakes and moved to Greenfield in 1957. While in Greenfield, they raised their 3 children. Al was a kitchen designer and worked at various places and for a few years owned his own business called “Kitchen Corner”.
Al enjoyed being a Boy Scout leader for many years along with being president of the New England Chapter of Boys Town and serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys Town Alumni Association. Boys Town was such an important part of his life and he always tried to repay them for giving him a home when no one else could.
Al leaves behind family & friends that will miss him very much. His wife of 62 years Priscilla LaLonde a daughter, Patricia Letourneau and her husband Jerry, a sister- in- law, Patricia Lanfair, a niece Priscilla Robison her husband Jim their son Jamie. He also leaves a brother Jack LaLonde and his wife Susan and brother Danny Theobolt of Florida and a very special niece Jamie, who always remembered to check in on him.
Al had a very good friend he met through his Boys Town connections Raul Para. Raul was a good friend who with his wife Lorrie became part of the family.
But most of all he leaves his sweet grandchildren who brought him joy beyond words. Jay LeBeau of Belmont MA, James Hart of Rock Hill, SC and two granddaughters, Madison and Bailey (my sweetheart) LaLonde of Rock Hill SC.
Al was predeceased by his two sons David and Steven LaLonde, his brother-in-law Bradley, his nephew Curtis Lanfair, and his sister June (LaLonde) Pollard.
Al lived a long and happy life and was kept entertained by his wife and sister-in-law Patty, one never knew what the “twins” were going to do next.
A special thanks to the staff at the YMCA in Greenfield especially, his friend Kathleen who looked out for him while he went to the Y, John who drove him to his appointments, Tim at the VA office and Dr. Jeffery Palmer who took very good care of him. The family would also like to thank the staff at Charlene Manor who provided such good care for him at the end.
Calling hours will be Thursday, Feb. 15th from 3pm-5pm with a service conducted at 4pm at Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St. in Greenfield MA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Riders for Health c/o of Trevor Boeding, Life Path Inc., 101 Munson St., Suite 201, Greenfield MA 01301.