Alphonse Balbo Dalimonte

In Loving Memory of Alphonse B. Dalimonte 9/5/1933– 4/1/2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Alphonse Balbo Dalimonte, who departed this life peacefully surrounded by his family on April 1st, 2025, at the age of 91. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he was the cornerstone of our family-a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and boundless love.
Born in Sault St. Marie, Michigan on September 5, 1933, to Alphonse and Mary Dalimonte, Al was raised with strong Italian values: faith, family, and hard work. He was a devoted brother to Eugene, Albert, Robert, Gloria, and Mary Ann, all of whom shared a bond rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty. His heritage was a source of great pride, shaping his character and the traditions he so lovingly passed down. Whether gathered around the dinner table for Sunday pasta or offering wise counsel in times of need, he was a guiding light whose presence could fill a room with warmth and wisdom. Whether you be family, friend, or stranger, there was always an open seat at his table.
With courage and dedication, Al proudly served his country in World War II with honor, embodying the values of duty, sacrifice, and resilience. Even after returning home, he remained a devoted veteran, always holding deep respect for his fellow servicemen and women. His time in the military shaped his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and love of country.
A proud Spartan through and through, Al earned his Master's in Business from Michigan State University, where he developed not only his sharp business acumen but also a lifelong passion for all things Green and White. Whether he was cheering from the stands at Spartan Stadium, watching every game from his favorite chair, or proudly wearing his MSU gear, his love for the Spartans was unmatched. Win or lose, he stood by his team with loyalty, always believing in the 'Spartan Strong' spirit. MSU wasn't just his alma mater-it was a part of who he was.
Grounded in ambition, Al began his career journey as a businessman turned entrepreneur. His story started out as a problem solver, cultivating creative accounting solutions for Montgomery Ward stores all over the state. Before he turned his sights to his own business ventures, he was dedicated to public service as the Deputy Superintendent of the Lansing School District, where he worked tirelessly to support students, teachers, and families. Later in life, Al was proud to support his community with high-quality goods rooted in his heritage at his very own Grandpa's Smokehouse & Delicacies store in Grand Ledge, Michigan.
A man of intellect and passion, Al dedicated the majority of his life to the practice of law, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike. He graduated with his J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan as a member of the first cohort class of 1973. Al's practice spanned multiple areas of law over his 40+ year career from prosecution, defense, estate planning, and the latter half in special care for his community with his Senior Citizens' Law Center. With a firm commitment to justice, he stood as an advocate for those in need, practicing with honor and compassion. His career was not just a profession, but a calling-one carried out with grace and determination.
Beyond his career, faith was the foundation of his life. A devoted member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, he lived by the principles of kindness, humility, and service to others. His steadfast belief in God was reflected in the way he lived-with generosity, patience, and an unshakable moral compass. These beliefs carried over to his community and outreach mission as a co-founder to the Don Quixote Special Friends organization (a social organization for the benefit of mentally disabled persons of all ages) in St. Ignace and Lansing, Michigan.
Al was a creative soul and lover of the arts. He had a remarkable talent that touched every medium he explored. He found joy and purpose in painting, sculpting, and woodworking, each piece a reflection of his thoughtful, patient nature and artistic vision. He was also a lifelong lover of music, often filling the house with the sounds of his favorite records. "His hands were always full – with paint, with bread, with love." – Unknown
Above all, Al was a family man. He cherished his beloved first wife Fran, with whom he built a lifetime of love and partnership. They shared a deep connection and devotion to each other that was inspirational. Together, they raised 6 children, Danna, Larry, Alphie, Francie, Robert, and Jen, instilling in them the same values of faith, hard work, and love that defined his life. Al and Fran created a home filled with warmth and laughter, where dinners were sacred, music played as the soundtrack to their lives, and every gathering was a celebration of togetherness. His grandchildren, John, Larry, Karen, Leann, Michael, and Eric, were his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in watching them grow, offering them endless love, guidance, and stories of the past. Al was thrilled to watch his grandchildren create their own families and become a great grandfather to Michael and Parker.
Later in life, Al was blessed to find love again when he met Sherry at a church function. Their connection was instant, built on faith, companionship, and shared values. Though their time together began in his later years, they made the most of every moment, creating new memories while honoring old traditions. Whether attending church services hand in hand, walking the beach in Pentwater, sharing meals filled with laughter, or simply enjoying
quiet evenings together, their marriage was a beautiful reminder that it's never too late to find joy, love, and partnership in life.
Al leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and faith. Though our hearts ache with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the lives he touched. His memory will forever be a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Al. Your love and guidance will remain with us always. Ti vogliamo bene (We love you).
Tu sarai sempre nel mio cuore come il sole e nel cielo (You will always be in my heart as the sun is in the sky.)
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, April 11 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes Delta Chapel, 6301 W St Joseph Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917, where we will gather to honor and remember Al. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, 345 Edwards St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, on Saturday, April 12 at 11:00am with Rev. Fr. Jim Eisele as celebrant, preceded by a visitation that's open to family and friends at 10:00am. The mass will be followed by the burial at Hillside Cemetery, 6415 Delta River Dr, Lansing, MI 48906, with a luncheon to follow back at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or church before the service on Friday, April 11.
Link to livestream the service
https://www.youtube.com/live/-65A8gfYiRc