Alfred P Puopolo Jr

Alfred P. Puopolo Jr., of Salem, MA, formerly of Everett, MA, passed away at the age of 86 on April 29, 2025, after several years of courageously facing heart issues and male breast cancer (yes, rare in a man, but he always was unique).
He is predeceased by his beloved parents, Alfred P. Sr. and Josephine Puopolo of Everett, MA, and his dear sister, Carmella Dolly Ward of Medford, MA. He was the legendary Uncle Al from Salem to Jolene (Ward) Valdez of Medford, MA; Rita (Ward) Spataro and her husband Philip of Middleton, MA; Glenn Ward and his late wife Dianne of Sandown, NH; and David Ward and his wife Ellen of Tewksbury, MA. He was the proud great-uncle to Michael, Meghan, Matthew, John, Alana, Jake and Jaredwho lovingly maintain a group Snapchat called Uncle Als Palsand great-great-uncle to Grace, Carmella and Jimmy.
A gifted clarinetist, Uncle Al earned two degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music. He went on to become a proud member of the Roma Band of Boston, a cherished Italian-American ensemble known for its vibrant performances at the North Ends traditional saint feasts, where the band celebrated and preserved the rich cultural heritage of Bostons Italian-American community. He tried, with limited success and great enthusiasm, to pass his musical talent on to his young nieces and nephews.
After retiring from General Electric, where he worked for many years as a Jet Engine Inspector, Al moved to Salem, MA. There, he cultivated a wide circle of dear friends and found great joy socializing in local coffee shops and social clubs, embracing the Brazilian culture of many of his closest companions. Like his mother and sister, he was a true fashionistaoften arriving at family gatherings in brightly colored suit jackets and a stylish hat, always dressed to impress.
He loved the phone. Staying in touch was his superpower. Armed with an XXXL twin-roll Rolodex (kept faithfully at his side), he made daily calls to check in on everyone, always leaving a message that began with who was calling and exactly where he was at that moment. He often followed with, I want to know whats happening, or his signature phrase, Whats the scuttlebutt?his endearing way of asking for the latest news. Every call included a roll call of the household on what everyone was doing at that point and how they were doing.
We will miss those blinking voicemail lightsthe daily check-ins and that unmistakable voicebut we smile knowing he is now being lovingly cared for and spoiled once again by his adoring mother and beloved sister. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Alfred, please visit our Tree Store.