Robert Alfonso

Rochester - Retired Air Force SMSgt Robert Alfonso, 79, of Rochester NH died of natural causes at Portsmouth Regional Hospital early Saturday morning, July 7, 2012. Robert was born in New Bedford MA on May 6, 1933 to Julio and Elsie (Andrews) Alfonso. In 1952, he entered the United States Air Force and served for twenty-nine years, retiring at Pease Air Force Base NH in 1982. After retirement, he worked at Service Federal Credit Union in Portsmouth NH and Robbins Auto Parts of Dover NH. While in the service, Robert met the love of his life Sylvia Colbath of Ashland ME across the dance floor of the NCO Club. They were married April 9, 1960 in Presque Isle ME. Robert touched the lives of many people in and out of the service. He loved to visit and made friends wherever he went. He loved to fish, feed birds and read; however, his biggest passion was his dedication to his wife and family. Robert is predeceased by his lovely wife Sylvia, who died on December 4, 2003, and younger brother John Alfonso who died at the tender age of five in New Bedford MA. He is survived by his brother Norman Alfonso and wife Patricia of New Port Richey FL, his sister Mary Lou Alfonso of New Bedford MA, his children; Cheryl Harbaugh, John Alfonso and wife Jeanita, Mary Sue Alfonso, Robert Alfonso Jr. and wife Lauren, his grandchildren; Hannah Harbaugh, Nikolas Harbaugh, Joshua Alfonso and wife Stephanie, Julio Alfonso, Josie Alfonso, Jane Alfonso, and Wesley Alfonso, his great grandchildren; Madelyn Alfonso and Travis Alfonso. The family would like to thank the staff of Portsmouth Regional Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their tender loving care during this most difficult time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 11AM at St. Mary Church located on Lowell St. in Rochester with Fr. Daniel Sinibaldi, Pastor as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.M. Edgerly and Son Funeral Home 86 S. Main St. Rochester, NH.