Alfred “Al’ L. Aldrich, 85 of Spofford died on Friday, January 28, 2022. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with the love of family nearby.
Alfred was born the son of the late Lillian (Carey) and Earl Aldrich on December 15, 1936, in Orange, MA. He was educated in Orange, Ma. and Whitingham, Vermont.
Later in life, he received his GED from Keene Adult Education.
Soon after school Al was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Europe during the Cuban Missile crisis. He earned his sharpshooter award and a good conduct medal. Al was honorably discharged at the rank of SP4 E-4 on August 1, 1967.
On February 2, 1963, he exchanged vows with Joyce F. Herrick in Whitingham, Vt. They were married in a simple service with close family and friends in attendance and have been married for almost fifty-nine years.
After returning home from the Army, he spent thirty-three years with Arthur Whitcomb Company in Swanzey as a heavy equipment operator. He also worked another ten years as equipment operator for the City of Keene and New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
Hobbies included: woodworking, cutting and splitting cordwood, ice fishing, hunting. He played softball as a young man and enjoyed car racing. Much of his time later in life was spent going to his children and then his grandchildren’s sporting events where he would sit in the stands and give encouragement. He loved country music and traveling. Al was known for his beautifully landscaped property where he was proud of the stone walls he constructed with his loving wife.
Mr. Aldrich is survived by his wife, Joyce F. Aldrich of Spofford. His three children; Sue A. Shonbeck-Knight and her husband, Rodney of Ocala, FL. Frederick L. Aldrich and his wife, Nancy of Spofford and Jeffery S. Aldrich and his significant other, Isabella Giovanni of West Lebanon, ME. Three Siblings; Kathy Woods and her husband, Ralph of Eagle Bridge, N.Y. Earl Aldrich and his wife, Nancy of Wilmington, VT. and Sandra Woodard and her husband, David of Colebrook. In addition, he is survived by; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 1 to 3 pm. In the funeral chapel. A graveside service will be held in the spring at the family lot with military honors at Spofford Cemetery. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Alfred L. Aldrich to: Hospice and Community Services, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, Nh. 03431.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, Nh. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
