Alfred 'Al' Key Sr., enjoyed helping others
Alfred Charles Key Sr., “Al,” 83, of Milton, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. He was born Jan. 17, 1933, to the late Alfred C. Key Esq. and Clara (Ritter) Key.
Al was born in Teaneck, N.J., and served with honor in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-61. He married Mary Elizabeth Gallinoto Dec. 13, 1952. He worked in the aviation industry from 1961-65 in Long Island, N.Y. and then moved to Winooski, Vt., where he worked at IBM from 1965, rising to become a senior semiconductor process engineer until his retirement in 1987.
He worshiped and ushered at St. Francis Xavier Church, and served on the Board of Selectmen in Winooski. After moving to Milton, he worshiped at St. Jude the Apostle Parish. Al and his friend Tony Perrello founded the Grumpy Old Men’s Computer Club. He also served as a board member on the Overbook Shores Homeowners Association.
He loved to travel throughout the United States by RV and spend time in the outdoors, sailing, boating, fishing and enjoyed woodworking as well. He was a friend to so many and shared his time and passions with all.
Al would not just shake your hand, but he would draw you in for a hug. It was his joy to help others and was always available whenever there was a need. He often said; “The most important thing in this life is the people you love; your family, your friends, and those that surround you. Being involved in people’s lives is the best thing you can do.”
All of his friends back in Vermont and here in Overbrook Shores, should know they were well-loved by Al. Most of all, he loved his family fiercely and valued them above everything else.
In addition to his parents, Al is preceded in death by his daughter Marie; his brother John; and his sister Madeline. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his sisters, Clara and Susan; and his brothers, Bob and Tom. He is also survived by his children: Grace and Bob, Bernie and Jim, Al and Raylene, and Cathy and Dave; his grandchildren: Bethany and Dan, Abby and Chris, Sarah, Katie, Megan, Alfred and Gregory; and his great-grandchildren: Marshall, Josh, Daniel, Annie and Parker.
Friends may visit Thursday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Friends may also visit at 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow services at 1 p.m., at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al’s name to Casa San Francisco, 127 Broad St,. Milton, DE 19968, or to The American Red Cross, 1973 Bay Road, Milford, DE 19963.
Please visit Mr. Key's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Alfred-Key-2/
