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Alfonso Carl ARONICA June 1, 1929 ~ October 31, 2011 After a long and fulfilled life and career, Al Aronica passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his wife, Audrey, and daughters, Terry and Paula. The oldest of six children raised in Carnation, Washington, Al was born to an Italian American immigrant father, Carl Aronica, and mother, Mondina (Palmiero), of Ellensburg, Washington. In his younger years, he was affectionately known as "Fonse" by family and friends. Al's business success was a direct result of his strong character, relentless work ethic, and incredible commitment to those of us lucky enough to be a part of his life. His love of family and friends in both his private life and in business was extraordinary and precious. He had an honest, straight forward, no BS style that was sprinkled with colorful language, extremely quick wit, and big hearted compassion. He connected with everyone from part time dishwashers to influential businessmen and politicians. Many consider him as a father-figure and mentor in their lives. As one good friend and business associate put it, "He got into a lot of our heads." Asked for one word to describe him, grandson Tanner said, "Respect." Al served in South Korea during the Korean War. After fulfilling service duties he married the love of his life, Audrey (Pacot), on August 29, 1953. They moved to Pullman, Washington where Al attended Washington State University. Al served as Secretary and later as President of the WSU hospitality fraternal group, Sigma Iota. In 1956, he graduated with a degree in Hospitality Business Management. He was a longtime President of the Snohomish Restaurant Association, a two term president of the Washington-Oregon Restaurant Association, and received Hospitality Man of the Year. Al went into business with good friend and fellow Hospitality alum, Jerry Burtenshaw and his father Denver. Their lifetime business collaborations included restaurants, concessions and camp feeding contracts. Becoming the first concessionaires of the Seattle Kingdome was a real challenge and a highlight in his career. Al was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nina, and son Ed. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Audrey, daughters Terry (Dave), Paula (Bill), brothers Sal, John, Joe, and sister Mary, grandchildren Keisha, Carlee, Lindsey, Mandy, Tanner, and Angel, and great grandchildren Alex and Gavin, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.We hold him in loving memory. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2011 atSt. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church in Monroe, Washington. Lunch will follow at the Expo building on the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. The family invites you to join them in sharing stories about Al at the reception. Memorial donations may be made to the Carnation Senior Center or the Carnation Historical Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
rip my friend my thoughts are with you and your family. chris
chris oakes
November 12, 2011
"Our love and prayers are with you Audrey. We are thankful for all that our cousin Al did to make the world a brighter place." - Garth & Toni Magee
Toni (Loutsis) Magee
November 10, 2011
What a wonderful man! I will missing seeing him at the Senior Center Steak dinners. Peace to you , Paige Denison
Paige Denison
November 9, 2011
So saddened to read about the passing of Al. He was such a good man. And, very saddened to read about the loss of Ed, as well. Our thoughts are with you--Connie, Catherine, Dianne and Rick.
Catherine Haller
November 8, 2011
Stan Smith
November 8, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Joe Hinkle and family
Joe Hinkle
November 7, 2011
Dear Audrey, Paula and Terry,
I was so saddened to hear that your dad and husband had passed away. Many of my favorite childhood memories include the time I spent with you at your house and our many adventures! He will be missed by so many. God bless, Kandis
Kandis Shrout(Hansen)
November 7, 2011
Alfonso Was A True Leader,,I Learned Many Things From Him,,He Got Things Done,,It Is A Great Pleasure Being Part Of The Family For So Many Years,,Since I Was 1 Year,,,Wow 55 Years,,A Great Man R.I.P Alfonso,,
Dann Alford
November 7, 2011
I remember when Al owned the Alpine Resturant in the old B & M Shopping center. It is now where QFC is around 52nd and Evergreen way. It was located where the Liquor Store is now. I met my best friend Lura Decker there the day I turned 21.
My friends mother Bobbi Egge managed the Lounge for 20 some years.
This was a great venu for dining and dancing until the late 70's.
I was pleased to hear when Al got the Venue at the King Dome.
Rest in peace.
Patty Gons
November 6, 2011
Dear mom Audrey, Terry and Paula, I feel so sorry about dad's Al death. You were a great american family to me when I was there in 1980 as an exchange student from Brazil. I'll always say thank you very much for everything. I miss you so much. God bless you all. With love, Patrícia.
Patricia Monte Duarte
November 6, 2011
Dear Paula and family,
I have wonderful memories of you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love,
Susan Kaintz
Susan Kaintz
November 6, 2011
Carlee & Family I am so sorry for your loss. Al was a wonderful man that I had the pleasure of knowing and he will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ?
Pam Miller
November 6, 2011
As always our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Heaven will sure be a lively place now. Mary Jo and Jim Martin
mary Jo martin
November 6, 2011
Dear Audrey and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Warmly,
Grace and Thomas Ofner
November 5, 2011
I'll miss you Al
Andi Wofford
November 5, 2011
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