ALFRED R. VASSALLO
August 5, 1938 - October 27, 2021
Alfred Vassallo, also known as AV-1, was raised in the St. Mary of the Eternal Parish in Philadelphia, on 22nd Street in the "Old Neighborhood," by Alfred (Hatch) Sr. and Pasqualina (Pansy) Vassallo.
Al was the Loving husband for nearly 60 years to Joanne, whom he swept off her feet at age 15.
His lifetime of service began as a young man, where he served our country in uniform in the U.S. Army. He started his career with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation and was assigned to Belfield Recreation Center.
Al continued his service to the people of Philly as a member of the Philadelphia Fire Department, where he expected perfection from his firefighters and from himself. He was always on time, always prepared, and always ready to help in any way big or small. The PFD is where he made many life-long friendships. AV-1 had a long distinguished career spanning over 37 years; rising through the ranks to Battalion Chief at his retirement in 1997.
Retirement brought Al and Joanne to Seaside Park, NJ where they began their next chapter. Al re-invented himself as a new world opened up to them: new friends, new experiences; all in a place he loved. Al knew every mile of the island that he traveled through daily on his bike, and, consequently all of the people he met along the way.
Al volunteered for the St. Catherine's Church in Seaside Park and for his beloved Tri-Boro First Aid Squad. They were the ones who cared for him when he needed emergency care the most.
Al is survived by his loving wife Joanne, daughter Diana, son-in-law Joe Barbour, beloved granddaughters Ashley and Katelyn, brother-in-law Charles Zell (Ethel) and many cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family on Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM, followed by Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM, at Maternity B.V.M. Church, 9220 Old Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Interment will be held privately.
** In accordance with the City of Philadelphia Covid mandate, masks will be required inside church.**
Please write down your favorite "Al-isms" or stories, and bring them Saturday, or send them to Diana (dbar68@verizon.net) for a book to be made for the family.
No flowers please. Contributions in Al's name may be made to Tri-Boro First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 98, Seaside Park, NJ 08752.
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