Alfred J. CORDA

GRAFTON : Alfred J. Corda, 82, a retired CPA passed peacefully at home June 30, 2013 in the love and care of his family after a recent illness. He leaves his devoted wife of 56 years Margaret F. (Pennucci) Corda; His son Michael A., his wife Rebecca, his two cherished grandchildren Mikayla and Nicholas, his brother in law Anthony Pennucci and his wife Patricia of Shrewsbury and many nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by two brothers, Giustino and Renzo Corda and one sister Eleanor Onorato. Al was born November 5, 1930 in Castiglione a Casauria, a providence of Pescara Italy, the son of the late Angelo Camillo and Ciacchera (Pasquarosa) Corda. He came to The United States in 1938 through Ellis Island settling in Worcester where he lived until moving to Grafton in 1964. Al graduated from Clark University and then from Anna Maria College earning a Masters Degree in Financial Management. Al was a US Air Force Korean veteran from 1949 to 1952 serving as an Air Traffic Controller with the 24th Division during the advance into North Korea. His primary duties were to establish air communications to fighter aircraft and provide landing and takeoff instructions for tactical and supply drop operations. His unit received a Presidential Citation for a job well done. Al began his civilian career as a social worker for The MA Department of Public Welfare where he was then promoted to Field Representative and then as an Administrative Service Manager for the newly formed MA Department of Social Services in 1980. He also became a CPA operating an active accounting and tax practice until retiring this past year. He was a member of The National and State Accountants Association and served for many years as an adjunct professor at Quinsigamond Community College in the fields of management and federal taxation. Al loved the classroom environment and continued as a substitute teacher at Blackstone Valley Regional Technical Vocational High School in Upton. Al also answered a call to civic duty for his community serving on many boards and committees for Grafton including The Grafton Housing Authority (past Chairman), A Commissioner and past Chairman of The Grafton Water District. The Board of Selectmen then appointed Al as Chairman of the newly established Personnel Board in 1982 whose charge was to establish a pay classification system for all town employees, which to this day remains the cornerstone for all town employees. He also served 25 years as a Director of The Grafton Suburban Credit Union, his last seven years as President of the Board. He was also an accomplished musician playing many venues with The Matt Page Trio and holding membership in Local # 143 Musicians. He was a longtime devoted parishioner of St. Philip's Church, a member of Knights of Columbus Benedict Council # 2379 and Delisle Goulet Post 92 American Legion all in Grafton. Al loved to vacation with his wife and family for the past 30 years at Libby's Campground in York Beach ME and he also began playing golf during the past few years. One of Al's true loves and talents was to listen, solve problems and offer strong advice to family and friends alike, something all who knew him will truly miss. The family suggests you honor and remember Al with memorial donations to his grandson Nicholas' school for autism, Nashoba Learning Group, 10 Oak Park Dr. Bedford MA 01730 in lieu of flowers. Funeral & Visitation The funeral will be Tuesday July 9th at 8:45 am from THE RONEY FUNERAL HOME, 152 Worcester St. in North Grafton followed by the celebration of a Funeral Mass at 10 am in his Parish Church of St. Philip, 12 West St. in Grafton Center. He will then be laid to rest with US Air Force Military Honors at St. Philip's Cemetery on Millbury St. in Grafton. All are invited to calling hours and family visitation Monday July 8th from 4 to 7 pm at The Roney Funeral Home