Roy Alphonso

Roy Raphael Ferdinand George Alphonso, of Peoria, IL, USA, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at OSF Medical Center.
Roy was born to Francis Xavier Alphonso and Mary Barbara Alphonso, on October 24th, 1927, in Poona, in British India, of English and Portuguese heritage. The oldest of eleven children, he attended St. Michael's High School, and graduated from St. Xavier's College in Bombay, before studying Law, joining the British Indian government, becoming a Gazetted Officer in the Indian Revenue Service, Income-tax Department, and ultimately retiring in Bombay as Commissioner after an illustrious career. Roy was widely recognized for his expertise in tax law, representing the Government in the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal, and was one of a handful of officers tasked with rewriting the country's direct tax laws. He continued consulting in tax law practice well into his nineties.
A parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church in Peoria for more than a decade, Roy is survived by his wife Juliet (Julie) also of Peoria, IL - they married in St. Xavier's Church, Poona in 1959, - and his sons Quentin Alphonso of Peoria, IL, USA, and Keith Alphonso of Brooklyn, NY, USA and his grandchildren Sahara, Shannon and Spencer (USA), and Jemima and Daniel (Canada).
He is also survived by his sisters Patricia "Pat" (Norbert) Huber of Gauting (Munich), Germany, Jeanette "Jean" (late Harry) Albuquerque of Perth, Australia, and Genevieve Alphonso of Poona, India, many nieces, nephews, and their families around the world, and Foster Gonsalves.
Preceding him in the journey to eternal life were his dear father and mother, his siblings Sr. Barbara Alphonso/Mother Cecelia CJM of New Delhi/Ahmedabad, India, Teresa "Tessie" (Thomas) Fernandes of Poona, Olga (James) Lornie of Chandigarh, Bernard (Ingrid Schmidt, she survives) Alphonso of Cuxhaven/Hamburg, Germany, Dorothy "Doris" (Morris) Solomon of Poona, Brian Alphonso of Poona, and Sr. Germaine Alphonso (Medical Mission Sisters).
Roy was a devout Catholic, an outstanding, exemplary and deeply loved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He had the kindest and, gentlest nature and was ever willing to help anyone in need of assistance or advice. He had a commanding presence and one felt naturally drawn to him and his most generously approachable personality. He was a very brave and courageous soul who stood up for his beliefs and convictions, and for those who were disadvantaged, weak and helpless.
His range of talents, his knowledge and brilliance made him exceptionally capable and successful at all he endeavored. He was extremely well-read and could discourse, debate and teach an amazing range of subjects. He wrote with a flair that encompassed the simple and lucid as well as the complex and sophisticated. He had an exceptional grasp on details in the Sciences as he did on that in the Arts and Humanities. Roy was also quite the singer, actor, artist, comedian,... and the list goes on.
Apart from his remarkable career in the IRS in India, Roy was also involved in many initiatives, appointments and engagements, both private and with the Church and public bodies. To name a few, Roy was named adviser to the Archbishop's Council in Bombay, served as office on Parish Councils and committees there and in St. John the Baptist Church, Thane, India, and helped and advised countless other Churches, Parishes and other religious and lay institutions.
Roy was instrumental in the establishing of many charitable institutions like the St. Joseph Night School in Poona, where he also taught those who were less privileged in their quest for education. The institution is a key part of his legacy and is now a flourishing establishment, along with the hostel and dormitory set up for workers in need. He helped establish such bodies as the St. Pius X Church, Parish and residential complexes in Mulund, Bombay, Organizations for homeless children and Church trusts. For each and more of these projects, he always had a steady stream of priests, nuns, other religious and lay people who sought his help and advice.
Roy exuded goodness and joy and stood witness to God's love, charity and mercy. Anyone who knew him was deeply touched by his nature, his kind, smiling eyes, the simple, joyful and contented aura about him, as also his extraordinary sense of humor.
His dedication to his faith and prayer, his love of the Sacraments and the Church, his prayer life, his devotions, the intensity with which he prayed, were an inspiration to all who knew him and gave him an inner strength and joy for well over nine decades of life.
Roy was blessed to have been called home on the Feast of St. Joseph who has always been special to both him and his wife, Juliet, and to the whole family.
All who have known and loved Roy, miss him immeasurably, but we continue to celebrate his legacy and life, and aspire to learn from his humility and gentle kindness. We hold faith and the belief that we shall all meet in joyous company once again in the Communion of Saints.
Visitation will be at St. Jude Catholic Church, in Peoria IL, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will follow services at 12:30 PM, also at the church. Fr. Patrick Henehan will officiate and burial will follow at St. Clements Cemetery in Dunlap, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com