Alfred E. Bourassa, born on April 19, 1926 in Salem, MA, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on March 18, 2015. He leaves behind to celebrate his life: 2 loving daughters, Suzanne (Bill) Marino, Jacksonville, FL and Nancy (Dave) Kolok, Essex Junction, VT; 2 beautiful granddaughters, Kristin (Dave) Matteo, Ocean Grove, NJ and Amanda (Tordy) Conley, Burlington, VT; his devoted great grandson, Ryan Matteo; several nieces and nephews, as well as, many wonderful friends (Tony and Cynthia Ungaro). Alfred was predeceased by his beautiful wife of 64 years, Theresa (DiFazio).
Alfred lived a heartfelt and ambitious life. He grew up in Claremont, NH and while attending St. Mary's High School, he worked as a soda jerk for Valliere's Pharmacy. It was during that time frame that he showed promise of a very successful and versatile life. In addition to his roles of Boy Scout, Altar boy, class comedian, Editor of the school yearbook, he was involved in the Drama and Glee clubs, served on the Dance committee and was President of his senior class. It was no surprise that he was voted 'most likely to succeed'.
In 1943, at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country as Quartermaster/Signalman 2/c on various ships including the USS Tarleton Brown. Honorably discharged in 1945, he later re-enlisted and served another 8 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. The G.I. bill allowed him the opportunity to attend and graduate, with honors, from Boston University with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Upon graduation in 1949, he joined Carter's Ink Co. as a sales correspondent, quickly moving on to Assistant to the Advertising Mgr. By 1956, he was ready to embark on a new adventure. Al began working toward a whirlwind career in liquor Sales and Marketing. It started with Old Mr. Boston (MA), National Distillers (NY) and Heublein (CT), spanning 40 years. Always on top of his game, he was well respected in the industry, receiving many awards and making numerous contributions along the way. Shortly after joining Carter's Ink, he married his sweetheart and dance partner, Theresa DiFazio. They shared a full life of family, friendships, traveling and enjoying their beautiful retirement homes in Newport, VT and Siesta Key, FL.
Al was a very generous man, who was always there for his family. He also was known to help others, less fortunate. He loved to read and thus acquired a wealth of knowledge, always sharing that with others. He was a born leader and mentor. His captivating style of storytelling would keep most on the edge of their seats. He later joined his church theater group and performed in Guys and Dolls and South Pacific. His fascination with reading was coupled with his love for music, especially the likes of Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Tony Bennett. Al was a well respected and brilliant man and we will all miss him dearly.
Sadly, his life took different turn as dementia invaded his final years. The family wishes to thank private caregiver, Kim Fowler, as well as, Westminster Woods, Arbor Terrace Ortega, and NE Community Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Please join the family for a celebration of his life at 2 pm on April 19, 2015 in the courtyard at Arbor Terrace Ortega, 5760 Timuquana Rd. Jacksonville, FL. Along with a military honor guard salute, Chaplain Kathy McLean will officiate the service. The celebration will continue inside with refreshments and reflections. Per the family, the best way to honor Al is to make a donation to your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to help find a cure.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home - Orange Park127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32073
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more