Albert Salvatore Alissi

Albert Salvatore Alissi

Albert Alissi Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 27, 2007.
SIMSBURY, CONN - Albert Salvatore Alissi, 77, of Old Meadow Plain Road, Simsbury, Conn., beloved husband of Sarah (Marshall) Alissi, died Tuesday, August 21, 2007 during his early morning jog when he was struck by a car near his vacation home on Cape Cod.

He was born July 6, 1930 in Springfield, Mass., son of the late Salvatore and Maria Corinna (Chistolini) Alissi.

Al was an extraordinary teacher, humanitarian, friend and family man, tirelessly devoted to helping those in need and improving people's lives.

He was a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work for nearly 40 years, and was widely known for his dedication to group work, his popularity among students, and his work outside of the classroom putting ideas into practice throughout the community.

He grew up in Springfield as an active member of many social and recreational groups, including the Boys Club, and graduated from Springfield College in 1952.

He moved to Cleveland to earn his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Reserve University in 1954.

After serving in the U.S. Army for two years, he returned to Cleveland where he met and married Sarah and started a family with son Mike and daughter Amy.

While in Cleveland, Al directed the Group Work Service Treatment Program for Children's Aid Society, then joined the Alta House Social Settlement as research director for the Outreach Street Corner Gang Project, and became Executive Director of Alta House and Collinwood Youth Association.

Concurrently, he earned his Doctorate Degree in Social Work at Western Reserve University, and published his dissertation, Boys in Little Italy, a subject of great interest to Al because of his own working-class origins as a member of an extended Italian family.

In 1967, Al moved to Simsbury when he joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

In 1974 he received a Master of Studies in Law degree from the Yale Law School.

Al's contributions to the academic world, his profession, and especially the local community are immeasurable.

He was president of the Open Hearth homeless shelter in Hartford from 1984 to 1992, and remained a board member thereafter. He served on the board or held leadership positions at organizations including Families in Crisis, Hartford Neighborhood Centers, Community Partners in Action, and the Springfield Boys Club.

Among his many honors and distinctions are the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the 2003 International Social Group Work Award from the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.

He was a member of several professional societies, served on many state advisory committees and task forces, and authored numerous publications including the book, Perspectives on Social Group Work Practice (Free Press, 1980).

Al spoke fluent Italian and loved Italy, especially the Valtellina region of the north, and was president of the Caspano Club, of which his mother was a founding member.

His wonderfully unique hobbies included winemaking and collecting hats. Al particularly loved music, playing the accordion, the piano, and the stand-up bass; and liked studying music theory.

Always the teacher, he generously shared his knowledge of everything with his family and friends.

He was a member of St. Mary's Church where he was an usher for many years. Nothing meant more to him than his family, and his welcoming smile, wisdom, and good heart will be sorely missed.

Besides his loving wife of 45 years, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Julie Alissi of Hamden; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Louis Donofrio of Simsbury, Conn.; three grandchildren whom ''Nonno” adored and could always make laugh, Dina, Jack and Danny; sisters Lina Ferola of Unionville, Conn., and Elena Warren of West Newton, Mass.; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Joanne Alissi of West Hartford, Conn., and many nieces and nephews, all of whom were very special to him.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Frank Ferola of Farmington, Conn., and Russell Warren of Springfield, Mass.

Calling hours were held Friday, August 24, 2007.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Saturday, August 25, at St. Mary's Church, Simsbury, Conn.

Private burial was in Simsbury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 1275 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, Attn.: Resource Development, or to Open Hearth, Inc. P.O. Box 1077, Hartford, CT 06143-1077.

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Sign Albert Alissi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 16, 2009

Larry Watts posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2008

Michele Creamer posted to the memorial.

January 6, 2008

Joan Gummere-Hayward posted to the memorial.

Larry Watts

October 16, 2009

Al was a man who gave so much. I would not be where I am today if not for him. He helped/carried me through the MSW program at UNCONN. I, being from the streets with limited written and grammar skills was over my head. Al not only told me I could do it, he helped see me through it. I would watch him give so much to us at the Hearth and thought, to what was his return. Then I saw his family, friends and colleges and man, that golw resonated on them too. He was full of love and joy. I hope to be like Al,smart who truly helped people to help themselves.
Al was a man who gave so much. I would not be where I am today if not for him. He helped/carried me through the MSW program at UNCONN. I, being from the streets with limited written and grammar skills was over my head. Al not only told me I could do it, he helped see me through it. I would watch him give so much to us at the Hearth and thought, God, to what is his return. Then I saw his family, friends and colleges and the glow that resonated from him. He was full of love and joy. I hope to be like Al, smart, friendly, with a disarming smile, truly in love with his family and helping people to help them
selves.

Michele Creamer

August 27, 2008

Although it has been a year since Prof. Alissi passed away, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. The many sentiments expressed here are testament to what a well loved man he was and how many lives he touched during his lifetime.
I was a student of his at UCONN during the nineties and remember the many lessons he taught me both professionally and personally. His memory will live on in all of us.
Sincerely,
Michele Creamer MSW '95

Joan Gummere-Hayward

January 6, 2008

Dear Sarah, It has been 55years since I last saw you. My deepest sympathy to you and your children. Maybe ones of these days we could meet half way and see each other. Love, Joan Gummere Hayward

Jennie Albert

October 16, 2007

To the Alissi family,
I am a 1999 graduate of the School of Social Work. I was a groupwork major and had many of my classes with Al. He was not only an inspirational professor and mentor, but he was a true social worker. Just as he told us that social work happens everywhere - he seemed to live that way and to love the work. He really helped teach other generations of social workers to put themselves into their work. I'm very grateful to him and am so sorry for your loss.

Henry Dean

October 11, 2007

10/11/2007 TO the Alissi Family,
I am deeply saddened to learn about the death of Al. I received a letter yesterday from UCONN SSW announcing Celebration of the Life and Work 11/19/07 at the school. He was my mentor, advisor, and instructor. I registered as many Group Work classes as possible from Al, his academic demeanor and delivery in the classroom was an inspiration to me. In my first year, at his suggestion I joined AASWG and attended my first conference in Boston at the Park Square Hotel in 1986. I remember meeting him in the hotel lobby and he took me around to introduce me to his colleagues who were many of the speakers and presenters at the conference. He took me under his wing at that conference and seemed to know everyone there. I was in awe at some of the same authors of our SW text books and to meet them in person.
There were times that I was overwhelmed with grad school as I was also full time employed, husband and father and homeowner. I would wake up at 1am to read and write as the house was quiet and then go to work or school. It took me 3 years and 2 summers but I was able to graduate and I thank Al for all the support and inspiration provided to me. The UCONN SSW Community has suffered a great loss.
Henry A Dean, UCONN SSW Class 1988

Justine Stagon

September 26, 2007

To the Alissi Family: Please know that Prof. Alissi was a great influence on my life as a social worker. He was my teacher, advisor, mentor and inspiration. After 15 plus years in the field, I still keep in mind the lessons I've learned from Al both through academics and of course humor. He will be missed greatly. I feel honored to have had him as my teacher and one-timed mentor. My condolences to the entire Alissi family. Al's legacy will live on through all the lives he has touched.

Sandra Chistolini, Roma

Sandra alias Susi Chistolini

September 12, 2007

Dear Sarah, Michele, Amy,
I would like to express our sentiments of sorrow for what happened to Albert. We were asthonished and we could not reach you to share in person the deepest pain we proved. Our spirit was with you all. I remember Albert calling us often and saying "I am coming to visit you in Rome and in Caspano!" Indeed we were waiting for him in June 2007 and we were preparing for his visit. He was so fond of Italian roots and thanks to his strong feeling we could keep the cultural heritage. You can believe that to me Albert was a very significant person. Not just because of the family connection but also because his humanity and his determination in maintaining the contact with us. My Mum and my Dad had always a special consideration for Albert and felt for him a great appreciation. I am glad we managed to write a book together in Italian and in English as sign of our multicultural belonging.
I will be happy to encourage a collection of studies written by Collegues/Students/Scholars of Albert in memory of his social and academic work. As far as I know he was "Bravo" in helping people to have hope, confidence and enthusiasm for life. He was caring for those who had not chance showing a third possibility to navigate in this society. He was a good cousin remembering of us even though we were in Europe and we found that his education was very similar to our education and cultural perspective of world.
Years ago, during a Conference held in Rome, I meet him and I even did not he was my cousin. He said to me that he was the son of Maria Chistolini and Salvatore Alissi and my Dad Gino was the small brother of his Mum. Maria was "una sposa per procura" and the emigration from Caspano was the only solution to overcome the poverty.
Albert and the rest of his family gained success, social prestige, high professional status. They did very well! He had the memory of the oldest poverty from where our parents came and this was the common history of many of people of that generation who grown up after the second world war. The poverty of our parents was a richness for us to understand the human condition of people.
Dearest Sarah, Michele, Amy you have to preserve the lesson of Albert and save the memory of the values he has giving to all of us: peace and love, help and care, joy and trust.
I will try to do the same in this part of the material world. For the spiritual world Albert for sure will support you in every moment of your life.

Our love, our prayers and our comfort being with you all.

Susi/Sandra and Giancarlo, Giovanna Chistolini and.......zio Gino and zia Onorina from the Heaven

Brian Frashier

September 2, 2007

Mike & Amy-

You dad was a great man, but you already know that.

During my misguided youth, he always had a few words of wisdom for me and was easy to talk too. Many a time he helped correct the thinking of myself, Mike, Dave Pignone & Tommy Nash.

I just heard about your loss today. My wishes and prayers go out to your whole family.

Brian Frashier

Marilyn O'Neil

August 30, 2007

To the family of Al Alissi: Aside from my experience of Al as a group work teacher at the School of Social Work, I only recently discovered that we had another thing in common: our love of the accordion. Al joined the Connecticut Accordion Association, which I started with my music teacher in 2004. I took a chance when I saw his name, and called him, wondering if it was my former social work professor. Lo and behold, it was Al! Was I ever delighted to have him join the club, and looked foward to seeing him again. Unfortunately, I never did get to hear him play, but I know he played for his clients. I send my heartfelt condolences to you as a social worker, a student of Al's and a fellow accordionist.

Sincerely, Marilyn O'Neil

Catherine Corto-Mergins

August 28, 2007

To the Alissi family, My heart is heavy as I read the news of the loss of Al. I was sorry to be away last week and miss the services. To so many of us who were privileged to have learned from him, he was larger than life. He was a cornerstone in my development as a social worker, beginning back in the early 80's. I first met him, when he was a member of the board of Hartford Neighborhood Centers, where I worked right out of college. He was the only board member who took the time to come in and work with the staff on how to run groups with kids from the streets. We were all green and the kids were all pretty tough (or so we thought), so he had his work cut out for him. I can still see him now, with his shirt sleeves rolled up, sitting on the table, sweat building up, getting red in the face, as he talked so passionately about how to reach out to the youth. He loved every minute of it, and so did we, as his passion was contagious. His lessons made us better workers and ultimately, better human beings. Years later, when I went to UCONN, I was privileged again to be inspired by his passion and his pearls of wisdom in the classroom. He was an intellectual and a realist and balanced the two well. Some of my best memories of him come from co-chairing the group work symposium with him in Hartford in the early 90's. We worked hard and shared many laughs, some tears, a few glasses of red wine, and an incredible amount of energy and intellect about social groupwork. As my teacher, my mentor, my colleague and my paesano, I say grazie, grazie, mille grazie...while we are crying, the heavens must be singing....and Al is playing the accordian.

Elena Warren

August 28, 2007

Dear Sarah, Michael, Amy, Julie ,Louis, and my niece & Newfews

My Brother Albert was such a great Brother to me. His death was such a schock.
It is still hard to belive. I am going to miss him so much. I still can see him with his lovely smile which I will never forget. Albert will always be in my prayers and I will never forget Albert who I loved so much.
I was Albert sister but I was amazed at all the beautiful remarks that came from so many peope all over the states & Ireland.
I learned a lot more about Albert through them, and to read that everyone thougth so much of him gave me such comfort.
I could not express my for feeling to all of you, but his friends
said it all.
I was lucky to have him as a brother.
He is now in Heaven with God and with our Ma & Pa and all other deceased members of our family.

My love and prayers are with you all.
Love Elena

Michael Aparo, LCSW

August 28, 2007

Sarah, Mike & Amy: I'm still in shock over the death of your beloved husband and father. I now realize that I was among his first students at SSW, having taken a course from him in late '67 or early '68. I was one of his favorite Italian teachers, who was so proud of his having enjoyed my Italian TV show. I've seen him many times over the years, most recently at a class reunion and a a day-long seminar. I always admired how he practiced what he preached, and I will continue trying to emulate his fine example as a social worker and a person.

John Marshall

August 27, 2007

Dear Sarah, Mike and Amy, We were shocked and deeply saddened when we heard of Al's death. He was such a fine man. We send our love and payers. Please keep in touch,
John and Margaret Marshall,
Mantua, Utah

Ellen Heher

August 27, 2007

I am just a Cape Cod resident who was so sad to read the circumstances of this gentleman's death. After I read his obituary, I was crying.
God Bless all,

Judy Lee

August 26, 2007

Dear Sarah, Mike and Amy,
One of the hymns we sing at our Life Teen Mass here in Florida is "I can Only Imagine". And, now I can only imagine your shock and the pain of your sudden loss.And I can only imagine the reception of such a good man, and Christian brother into heaven. And, since I am so far away, I can only imagine the celebration of his life at the Mass and wake.His was truly a great life to be celebrated. I knew him as a colleague at UConn and as a fellow group worker, and indeed, a part of group work history. I am glad that AASWG honored him, for he deserved it. I am glad I knew him at UConn. We were not always in agreement due to the craziness of the academic world, but I am happy to say we were a good support to each other in the last years of our tenure together there. And, I greatly respected him and his wonderful contributions to social work and social work education. It was an honor just to know a man so dedicated to the profession, to youth, and to the homeless and justice. And it was a blessing to know a man who held his wife and family in the center of his love always. He is still your guardian angel and forever love.

Please know you are in my prayers,
In the Risen Jesus, Dr. Judy Lee

John Sweeney

August 26, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi, Amy, Mike, and Family,

Heather and I were so shocked and saddened when Mom called with the news of Mr. Alissi's passing. I have so many memories of his wonderful energy and warmth from my childhood growing up on Old Meadow Plains Road. We will miss him and we are keeping all of you in our prayers. Love, Heather and John Sweeney

Bill and Judy Sweeney

August 26, 2007

Dear Sarah , Mike , and Amy ,
Today is Sunday , the day after Al's funeral. The reality of his death is slowly sinking in . What is not yet real to us his neighbors
and friends is the full story of his
accomplishments , his fame in his
profession , the love and admiration
people all over the country had for
him . We knew he was great ,lovable,
loyal , and a worker of miracles.
It is wonderful to learn that so many others feel the same way we do
about our departed hero ,Al . We
miss him so much , and pray for him
and his family constantly.

Bill and Judy Sweeney
neighbors across the street

Roland Chinatti

August 26, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi & Family,

I became a Social Worker because of Al. After speaking with him the first time I realized I wanted to be a social worker like him and I enrolled. Once at UCONN I fell in love with the way he and Julius blended with one another. Sitting in their office I felt honored to watch two great men be intellectual, sardonic, humorous, and empathic all at the same time. Those times were awe-inspiring experiences.
I cannot imagine the pain you must feel now. Al's death does not make any sense. He was still giving so much to the world. He certainly didn't deserve to die this way.
I gather from reading the other entries already in this guest book, my heart is yet another place he will always reside. I agree too that he should be granted sainthood.
Love,
Roland Chinatti

Michael, LeeAnn, Alex, and Sam Nash

August 26, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi, Mike, and Amy,

We are deeply saddened by your loss. We knew Mr. Alissi as a great neighbor and a greater friend to our parents. We are now learning the depth and extent that he has touched others in his life. Not only was he a wonderful husband, father, and educator, he gave of himself to others in so many ways.
He will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eric and Leah O'Neill Fichtner

August 26, 2007

Dear Alissi Family. Both Eric and I have known Al for some time, both through UCONN and the Hartford Public Schools where Al left his powerful mark on all of us, on all social workers, social work students and most importantly on the children of Hartford through his positive work and support for best social work practices especially group work. He often gave me rides home when I was living in Canton and he would drop me off at the Simsbury bus stop. During those drives home I learned so much from Al but most importantly about the intense love for his family, wife, children and grand children. I know you have lost such a wonderful human being, and I know who sad you are. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Regards, Eric and Leah, now living in Ireland but formally with the Hartford Public Schools

Bill Sweeney

August 25, 2007

Dear Alissi Family -

I have many fond memories of Mr. Alissi. Whenever I was mowing the grass, shoveling snow, painting the house, raking leaves or any chore in particular, more often then not, I'd see and wave to Mr. Alissi across the street, working just as hard, if not harder, than me. He'd always wave back. Sometimes, we'd be close enough to share a few minutes just to chat - him leaning on his rake or shovel or whatever. Always had a smile. Clearly a man at peace with himself and comfortable in his own skin. We sort of had a working man's fellowship,I guess. It's safe to say that part of my hard work ethic came from him, because he always took care of his family as I was trying to do (and still do). Anyway, I just wanted to say that I love you all, that I loved Al too and that I miss him very much. I will also gladly do any chore for you that he used to do, in honor to him and out of love for you. Plus, it'd make my mom jealous to see me doing work across the street instead of at HER home (kidding). But seriously, if there's anything you need, please call me (or just tell Judy).

Bonnie and I are praying for you all - that God's strength will carry you through this time.

Sam Puliafico

August 25, 2007

We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Sam, Alice and the Puliafico Family

Caren Klein

August 24, 2007

Dear Mrs.Alissi and Family,
Al was a warm and loving man and wonderful role model for all social workers. I have a framed photo of him hugging me at graduation. He will be missed.
Caren Klein,LCSW Class 99

Julia Wholey

August 24, 2007

To the Alissi family,

Simple words can never accurately express the sorrow that is felt when such a beloved person dies, but please accept my sincere condolences. Al was one of my most memorable professors at the School of Social Work and among the most approachable. He taught not only the intellectual part of social work, but personified what it meant to be a social worker and he did it with a smile and a pleasant manner about him at all times.

It breaks our hearts to lose such a special person here on earth, but I believe that God needed Al immediately for some very important work that needs his unique skills. He will be remembered fondly.
Julia Herbst Wholey SSW 93

Tom Felke

August 24, 2007

I only had the opportunity to take one class with Al but learned so much from him. His cheerful demeanor and wide smile will be sorely missed. It is a loss not only for those who knew him but also for those who never had the chance. His legacy will continue to influence and enlighten so many. May God bless and keep you!

Mark Ashby

August 24, 2007

I offer my condolences to the entire Alissi family on your loss. My prayers are with you.

TOM NASH

August 24, 2007

Al Alissi was a great neighbor and friend he was my best friends dad and always treated me as part of the family. i have many treasured memories growing up on old meadow plains rd. going Camping and to the Circus to name just a few. my very best wishes to the family, we will all miss him greatly

The Open Hearth, Inc.

August 24, 2007

The trustees, staff and residents of The Open Hearth extend our deepest sympathies to The Alissi Family during this time of loss. We were honored to benefit from Dr. Alissi's many years of service to men rebuilding their lives following homelessness, addiction and incarceration. We miss you, Al.

Larry Pittinger

August 24, 2007

Al Alissi was inspirational. He was a good man and a great teacher. His advocacy work with the North Central Connecticut Regional Mental Health Board helped ensure high quality services to those in need.
Your loss is our loss, but his gifts will carried on by many.

Jim & Laura Sweeney

August 24, 2007

Sara, Michael, Amy & Family,

I was fortunate to have grown up across the street from you and many of my childhood memories involveded time spent at the Alissi's. When Al was around he always had a friendly smile and always made me feel welcomed.

I think Al now has Gods ear a little more directly and he will direct God to bless and enhance all of the great organizations that he was involved in. May God be in your hearts during this difficult time.

Betty Cronin

August 24, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi & Family: Everyone at the School of Social Work is very sad. I have worked with Al for 14 years being on the staff at SSW. He was always smiling, cheerful and never demanding. We joked all the time and he saved us from "killer bees" by hitting them with his bare hands. What a wonderful man in so many ways. He will never be forgotten and my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Fondly.

Gloria Soliani

August 24, 2007

Dearest family members
In my last conversations with Al, we spoke of my impending visit to Italy. He had many interesting and helpful hints to offer. I can hardly write without tears and fondest memories of our time together in social work school.
With sincere and heartfelt condolences
Gloria Soliani, friend.

Raynette Holmes

August 24, 2007

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Karen Brown

August 24, 2007

Al Alissi leaves a wonderful legacy behind. He was warm and passionate about the profession and encouraged his students to be all they can be. My prayers go out to his family and remember that he will always be with you.

Class of 1997 UCONN SOSW

Carlo A. Marchetti

August 24, 2007

Al-Worthy of Sainthood
Your boyhood friend and fellow Pioneer.
Carlo Marchetti

Heather Quercia

August 23, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi and family:

I was at work when I got the call about the death which my mother-in-law had read to me over the phone. Your husband/father was my professor and what a great instructor he was. I admired him and will always remember him teaching me and others how to build a relationship with our clients. I loved attending his classes. I never felt like I was listening to a lecture. His smiling face always made me smile. I didn't know him personally but knew just from having him as a professor what a kind hearted and loving person he was. Deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Heather Quercia
Class of 2002

Maryellen Leigh, LCSW (Class of 99)

August 23, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi and Family -

As a former student of Al's at UCONN and a summer traveler in Dennisport, I am truly shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Al. The field of Social Work has lost a true humanitarian. The world has lost a kind and decent human being. And most importantly, you have lost a cherished love one.
I am sure you will receive hundreds of condolences from the extended UCONN School of Social Work "family". Al was a well loved and favorite professor of mine. If ever there was a person who could ease the pain of having to take a Statistics course in Psychology, it was Al!
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Beverly UCONN SSW '99

August 23, 2007

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Al will be missed in so many ways. I feel blessed to have been taught by a Groupwork legend! I can just see him getting excited in the classroom now with his white hair getting all frizzy. His contributions are immeasurable, as so too must be your sadness. My thoughts are with your family.

Chris Nash

August 23, 2007

Sara and family,

I have such fond memories of Al. As a child I remember his big smile and his kind heart. He was the kind of person who would make you feel like you were part of the family.

I feel very fortunate to have known him. He brought a light to the world with his sense of humor and smile.

He will be missed.....

Chris Nash and Family

Bland Maloney

August 23, 2007

Dear Sarah, I am one of the thousands of students who had the good fortune to know and be taught by Al. This was many years ago and he has continued to effect my profession life in many ways. He was filled with enthusiasm, energy, empathy, humor, creativity and most of all the ability to make students feel valuable and special. My daughter was a student of his many years later and all his best qualities had grown with age as had his sweetness as a person. Please accept my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Bland Maloney Class of 1971 West Hartford

Rollin Williams

August 23, 2007

R.I.P. AL--You were a shining example of the best of social work and a wonderful colleague. Your talents will be greatly missed--FOREVER!

Robert Cushman

August 23, 2007

Dear Mrs. Alissi and Family,

I am so saddened to hear the news of your loss. It was always a pleasure to enjoy Al's company at Mike's family events for which I am grateful to have been fortunate to attend. My prayers are with you and your family.

Rusty

Elizabeth Went

August 23, 2007

August 23, 2007
Dear Sarah,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy. I am one of many who was blessed to be mentored by Al at UCONN. His gentle wit and wisdom, his knowledge and caring, are among my fondest grad. school memories.
I hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Betty Went

Diane and Don Nash

August 23, 2007

Just Al

Those who knew him in the academic world….knew of his brilliance.
Those who knew him at the Open Hearth and the many other programs
to which he was dedicated, acknowledge him as a humanitarian.
Those who heard him speak or read his papers applauded his
communication skills.
…………….but then there were others who knew him as…………….
.
Just Al

Just Al, was made up of the people who loved him He was part of
their lives and they became part of him.
Just Al, was what he was because of his wife Sarah, his son Michael
and daughter Amy….and yes, his grandchildren as well.
Just Al, was the guy next door…who loaned you a ladder and gave
you a helping hand. He took your concerns seriously, but never took
himself too seriously.
Just Al, was the neighbor who embraced you as family and came
to your home as part of your family and fit right in.

If you knew him you know that finding the words to describe Al just isn’t
possible.
If you knew him you know what it means to say “He was Just Al and
that indeed Just says it all.

Maryellen Krygowski

August 23, 2007

Dearest

Sara and family,

We are so broken hearted that our beloved Al has passed.

He was the dearest of all to us, as he made our wedding day forever memorable.

We shall never forget the love and joy he shared with us.

With deepest sympathy and

love for all,

Maryellen and Eugene

August 23, 2007

Dr. Alissi was a caring and wonderful professor, always professional. He was a mentor and someone that I admired. I could not get over how he would always remember who I was in the different avenues we traveled and happened to meet. I am very saddened by his death and your loss, and wish to extend my thoughts and prayers to you -- his family.
Sincerely,
Rosemary 'class of 1984'(Wallingford)

Melissa Hoy

August 23, 2007

My deepest sympathies and my thoughts and prayers go out to Amy and her family. Mr. Alissi was a wonderful father and a warm and friendly a man as you could imagine.

Joanne Maher

August 23, 2007

I wish to express my sympathy to you, Sarah, and to your children. Al was a wonderfully kind man and will be greatly missed.
(Cape friend to Joann & Joe)

Paul Rouleau

August 23, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you through this trying time.

Sally

August 23, 2007

Al was truely an inspiration to me. He was my mentor throughout graduate school and continued to be interested in my career even when I was no longer a student. His compassion and insight were amazing. He was a gift to all of the students he taught over the years.

Rob and Barb Rojas

August 23, 2007

Amy, Lou, and Jack:

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Barb and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

~Rob and Barb Rojas

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How to support Albert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Albert Alissi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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Sign Albert Alissi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 16, 2009

Larry Watts posted to the memorial.

August 27, 2008

Michele Creamer posted to the memorial.

January 6, 2008

Joan Gummere-Hayward posted to the memorial.