WESTFIELD – Alfred Michael Pezzini, 95, of Westfield passed away peacefully, Monday February 24, 2014, at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. Born in 1918 in Springfield, MA to Michael and Hilda (Taddia) Pezzini, he lived with his best friend and older brother, Albert and his parents next to the 13th Hole of the Springfield Country Club.Michael and Hilda operated the concession stand at the 13th hole. Alfred attended high school at the Springfield Trade School, where he was a recognized sportsman. Alfred was an avid and accomplished golfer and his lifelong love of the sport began with his first job as a caddy at the Country Club. In 1940 Alfred and his brother established a golf and archery range at Hampton Ponds in Westfield, MA. There, Alfred taught archery and golf to area college students and the general public. Later in life, Alfred often visited his brother in Arizona where the two continued their shared love of golfing.
Shortly after opening the golf and archery range, Alfred met and fell in love with Rita Lambert, who was working across the street at the concession stand of her parent’s business, Lambert’s Beach. The pair married in 1942. Alfred was called to service shortly after their marriage and upon his return, he worked for Standard Oil of New Jersey, a job that took him away from home frequently. A few years later, Alfred left that job to be the manager of Lambert’s Beach and later, Lambert’s RV and Marine. Alfred and Rita had four daughters. Alfred served from 1942-1944 in the Navy in the Pacific Theater aboard the destroyer escort, the USS Rudderow. Throughout his life, he recounted stories of his service with admiration for the people with whom he served during those difficult times.
Alfred, who is remembered as an kind, loving, hardworking family man, leaves three daughters, Linda Pezzini of Florence, Nancy Pasquini-Pezzini, and Suzanne Tracy both of Westfield; eight grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Alfred was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Jean Duarte in 1968 and wife, Rita in 1974. Alfred’s large family brought him joy and he basked in their attention and was proud of the life his hard work provided them. He shared the latter half of his life with his loving partner, Reta Smith. The two split their time between Westfield, Florida and Arizona. Alfred’s friendly, generous manner and nice singing voice won him many admirers throughout his life. He will be missed.
Calling hours will be Saturday, March 22nd from 2:00-3:30 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday 2:30 p.m. at Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Alfred’s memory be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Patient Fund, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
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