Alphonso J. "Al" Amico

Amico, Alphonso J. "Al" RENSSELAER Alphonso J. Amico, "Al," passed into eternal life on Sunday, June 22, 2014 comforted by the love of his wife and son and strengthened by the prayer of the Church, at St. Peter's Hospice Inn after a courageous 18 month struggle with the effects of a stroke. Born in Seymour, Conn. to the late Alfonso and Lorenza (Brucoleri) Amico, Al was a part of our country's "greatest generation." He was a proud graduate of Seymour High School where he loved studying history, attending dances with 18 piece bands and playing baseball at which he excelled. Even before completing his senior year in high school, Al enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater of World War II with the Fifth Air Force 481st Air Service Squadron. He was part of the campaigns in New Guinea, the southern Philippines, Luzon, and also did occupation duty in Japan. Returning home, Al began a 35 year career as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. Known as "Al the Mailman," he was beloved by many of his customers. Though he quietly went the extra mile for them, his service was recognized in 1964 with a Superior Accomplishment Award." But, Al would say that his greatest accomplishment was when he met the love his life, Frances (Leccese), on a blind date. They recently celebrated 56 years of living the Sacrament of Matrimony through some truly trying times but many happy times as well. This was perhaps never more evident than in the months since Al's stroke. Upon retiring, Al and Fran moved to Fran's hometown of Hudson and more recently to Rensselaer to be near their son. Though he had to endure many medical issues during retirement, Al enjoyed life, especially the trips to Boston and Washington, D.C. on which their son took him and Fran. Al was a parishioner of St. Michael's Church, Troy, a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, and an avid Red Sox fan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; his devoted son David of Menands; his "adopted" grandson, Tony Mercedes of St. Margaret's Center, Albany, and also his brother Fred (Dolores) of Virginia; sisters, Antoinette (Lewis) Wilber and Florence Cormack of Conn.; in-laws Anne (Frank) O'Connor and Daria (late Roger) Leccese, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his and Fran's daughter, MaryLou, and several siblings, Tom, Jack, Mario, Stella, and his dear sister Grace. Calling hours will be held at St. Michael's Church, 175 Williams Rd., Troy, NY 12180 on Wednesday, June 25 from 4-6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's on Thursday, June 26 at 10 a.m. with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger presiding and Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard as principal celebrant. Internment with military honors will be in Cedar Park Cemetery, Hudson at 2:30 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Sr. Maureen Joyce Center c/o Blessed Sacrament Church, 600 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206.
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