Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William ALFORD Obituary
He was preceded in death by Jeanne and a grandson, Benjamin Brand; and daughter-in-law, Cheri Alford.
Joe was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Marine, engineer, civil servant and patriot. He was a graduate of Granby High School and Virginia Tech, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering and pursued a master's degree.
He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, as a Naval Aviator, in the Pacific Theatre in World War II and attained the rank of Captain. Joe was employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Langley Research Center for 31 years. He held several patents in the field of aeronautics and was instrumental in developing the design of the variable sweep wing.
He is survived by his sons, Joe of Yorktown, Tom and wife, Donna of Hampton, and Stephen of Destin, Fla.; daughter, Bonnie Alford-Restaino and husband, Jerry of Suffolk; seven grandchildren, Mary Jeanne Ball of Ashburn, Va., Kimberly Shray of Virginia Beach, William Alford of Williamsburg, Jerry Restaino of Suffolk, and Megan Alford, Chandler Alford, and Alexander Alford, all of Destin; four great-grandchildren, Chelsea Jenkins and Benjamin Shray of Virginia Beach, and Jessica Ball and Benjamin Ball of Ashburn. He is also survived by his niece, Patsy Alexander of Norfolk.
A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr., Hampton, VA 757-825-8070. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William ALFORD
Rosie & John Greene
September 6, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a sweet man who loved your Mom so much. Let your good memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Your family has been in our lives my entire life. We will miss him.
Bill & Marty Henderson
September 5, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing when we returned to town yesterday. He and Jean were such a wonderful part of our life and Bill had a great time working with him. They are both missed.
September 3, 2010
Dear Joe and family,
My most healing prayers for your loss.
Passing Away
You see the life slip away,
There is emptiness and time stops for awhile.
Terror, replaced with grief, replaced with terror,
Of losing someone who has been so constant.
Sadness of wanting just a little more time,
Grieving, tears, memories pour out of you.
Numbness from anxiety,
Sorrow and wonder what to do next.
The clatter of dishes, identifying pieces of tap beneath,
Scattering the flower arrangements that will not stop coming.
Cards, notes, calls messages,
All loving, some needing decisions.
The look of a sunrise, a small butterfly,
A realization that you will go on.
Kathleen Manley - author
Kim Shray
September 1, 2010
For my loving grandfather, I will miss you.
Bonnie Dean
September 1, 2010
Joe and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your in my prayers...
Teresa Rader Morewitz
August 30, 2010
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Sherry Stanley
August 30, 2010
Donna, Tommy and Willie, I am so sorry to hear about Diddle. I remember him as being gentle, kind and giving. I know you will miss him dearly, but isn't it wonderful that you will see him again in heaven. I think of you often and will keep you in prayers.
Sherry Stanley
August 30, 2010
Donna, Tommy and Willie, I'm so sorry to hear about Diddle. I remember him as being warm, kind and giving. I know you miss him and isn't it wonderful to know that you will see him again in heaven. I think of you often and will keep you in my prayers.
Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier
August 30, 2010
To Bonnie and all of the Alford family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow and loss. Be comforted in the knowledge that your father and loved one is in the arms of heaven.
Bonnie Bridger Mittelmaier
james buck
August 30, 2010
may god walk with you all and give you some serenity in this time of need...... buck
Tom & Angela Leary
August 30, 2010
Joe, you must be smiling right now because you are with your beloved Jeanne, the Queen of Buckroe. Our Heavenly Father saw you and said, "Well Done, my good and faithful servant." You and Jeanne brought so much joy to the lives of all of us. We have wonderful memories of the two of you and breakfast at Fort Monroe Officers Club, St. Joseph Euchristic Ministers, Christmas's, family gatherings and teaching us about Hampton when we arrived from Richmond in 1984. Little did I know that you both would help convince me to run for City Council. We love you, we will miss your smile and chuckle, pancake breakfasts at IHOP, and thank God that we had you in our lives. We will be here if the kids and grandkids need us. They already know that though. You are in His Presence. Oh what a blessing. You have left a legacy of a good, honest, loving, loyal, courageous, gentle man. Cousin, we love you and will remember you with great happy memories. You are still with us in many ways, in our thoughts, memories, laughter, convertibles, warm sunny days, politics, religion, food and good wine. We will smile often. Love Always...Tommie and Angela Leary, Hampton, VA
Ronnie & Sissy Harris
August 29, 2010
Joe,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. I know how much you loved your Dad, and looked up to him. Just know that he and your Mom are together now, looking down on their family.
Gabrielle
August 29, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I hope in time, the loss you feel now will be replaced with fond memories.
Bill and Joyce Howell
August 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe and the family.
Howard Puckett
August 29, 2010
I met Joe Alford in the mid-1970's shortly after I went to work at Langley. I believe he befriended me in part because I was a former Marine. He gave me a USMC belt buckle which I still have today and I will always associate with him. I know he'll be missed by everyone close to him.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in William ALFORD's name
Memorial Events
for William ALFORD
How to support William'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.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
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.
Read moreResources 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.
Read more
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.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William ALFORD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
