Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
ROBERT ALFANDRE Obituary
ALFANDRE ROBERT NELSON ALFANDRE On June 12, 2014, Robert Nelson Alfandre passed away peacefully in his home in Washington, DC after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in June 9, 1927 in New York, NY, son of Joseph and Annette Alfandre, and moved to the Nation's Capital at the age of eight. He is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla B. Alfandre; daughters, Dominique Palmer (Thomas Palmer) and Nicole Alfandre Halbreiner; grandchildren, Luned Palmer, Rosamund Palmer (Miles Portek), Carl Halbreiner and Claudia Halbreiner; his brother, Jack Alfandre and his wife, Laurie; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is also survived by his dedicated companion and friend, Sidney Martin and many other devoted friends. He was predeceased by his beloved partner, Carroll J. Sledz. Robert was a prominent Builder in the metropolitan Washington area, constructing thousands of single family homes and apartments over the years in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. He was a force in the DC cultural community and a dedicated philanthropist, serving over the years on the boards of the Woodrow Wilson House and Whitman-Walker Clinic. He was a leader in the fight against AIDS, raising millions of dollars for AIDS research, establishing residences (the Carroll Sledz House) and support systems (the pharmacy in the Whitman-Walker Clinic) for its victims. He was a supporter of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, active member of the French Heritage Society, the Washington Club, the Cosmos Club, and he was a Knight in the American Order of St. John. Robert was a resident of Key West, FL and maintained residences in Washington, DC, Fire Island, NY and Paris, France. He was an active supporter of the Arts, AIDS victim support and LGTB causes in all places. Visiting hours will be held at Joseph Gawler's Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW on Friday, June 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2300 Cathedral Avenue, NW, with a reception to follow at his home at 2406 Kalorama Road, NW. Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to Pines Care Center, PO Box 5333, Fire Island Pines, NY 11782 or Capital Caring, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, VA 22042.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ALFANDRE
July 5, 2014
It is through a friend who lives in DC that I found out that my cousin, Robert, passed away recently. I have very fond memories of Robert. His smile could light up a room. When I was very involved with the AIDS Memorial Quilt, his generosity shone through again: he hosted a very successful fundraiser at his home for the benefit of the 1996 display of the Quilt on the Mall. My condolences to his wife Priscilla, his daughters, and the other members of his family.
Mireille Key, Boulder, CO
Ken Mitterer
July 4, 2014
What a wonderful caring man he was. I met him when he lived on Capitol Hill. I was out of work and he gave me a place to stay for many months until I became employed. We remained friends until I relocated to California, but then lost contact. I always remember him as very charismatic, his laugh was wonderful. Even though we had not been in touch for some time, I always remembered him with great affection. I regret that we lost contact, he was truly a great influence in my life. My deepest condolences to his family.
Patty Rosado
July 4, 2014
He was truly a very special man and served as an inspiration to may of us in the Pines. He shall be missed.
Bernard and Louise Sledz
July 2, 2014
We just learned of Robert's passing. Our sincere condolences to Priscilla, Dominique, Nicole, and all of Robert's family. Robert was a dignified, charming, generous, witty gentleman, and we feel proud to have had a special connection with him for so many years. We are so sorry to not have been able to attend his services. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bernard and Louise Sledz
June 21, 2014
Bob and I were classmates at Swarthmore College in the late 1940s. We were casual friends. Our friendship grew, however, years later, as we renewed our acquaintance in Washington. I appreciated particularly his quick wit and shrewd insight into human nature. Alas, that renewed friendship came too late.
My deepest sympathies to Bob's delightful wife and children.
Howard Sachar
Richard Rosendall
June 20, 2014
Bob was a generous and warm-hearted man. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Jeffery and Barbara Stephanic
June 19, 2014
Our condolences to all members of the family and friends for this passing. We were honored to know Robert as a friend, a supporter of the arts and an early activist in working for HIV solutions . He was a strong personality who worked and played at full speed. He leaves a large void.
June 19, 2014
God will see you through these difficult days.
June 19, 2014
May the God of heaven ease the sorrow of your hearts.
McCarthy
June 19, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. (Psalm 83:18)
M D
June 18, 2014
To the Alfandre family:
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear loved one. May you find comfort in 2 Thesalonians 2:16,17.
June 18, 2014
To the Alfandre family,
May the God of comfort give you peace, love, strength, courage and comfort at this time. My sympathy to the family.
B.G. Wright
June 18, 2014
Robert was a kind, generous, and lasting friend. His knowledge of the world, its customs, traditions, and his wonderful ability to share with others is unmatched. Mostly, I will miss Bob, but will take with me wonderful memories of all the places in the world we met. Goodbye dear friend. BG
June 18, 2014
May the God of comfort be a strength for you.
Cornelius Baker
June 18, 2014
In deep appreciation for the great joy and generosity that Bob brought to our world.
June 16, 2014
Rest in Peace, Robert, and God bless you for all you did for HIV in Washington. David Bachman, M.D.
June 16, 2014
he was a great friend and a lot of fun to be with. he will be truly missed. joe bryan, greensboro, nc/ key west.
Didier Heiremans & Michael Fox
June 16, 2014
Michael and I had an opportunity to visit Bob only a few weeks ago, and to say our goodbyes. We found him comfortably installed in a bed, watching TV in the Great Room. Since we had first met "in the trenches" during the dark days of the AIDS epidemic, we recounted some of the challenges we had faced together, how it had affected him very personally and how it shaped an entire generation. I reminded him of how many lives he had touched over the years through his leadership and tremendous generosity. In true gentleman fashion, he grabbed his laryngophone and simply whispered: "I tried". We all cried, hugged each other, then moved on to more pleasant memories.
As we left, my eyes caught the stain glass "Honi Soit Qui Male Y Pense". I couldn't help but smile for I remembered that Bob's life was also about laughter and "joie de vivre". And -most importantly- about his family.
Bill MacArthur-Norton
June 16, 2014
Bob shared with me good times and good laughs for which I will always be grateful....................God's speed............
Matthew Hastings
June 15, 2014
Bob Alfandre was a gentleman and a scholar and devoted to his family and friends. He was also one of the most painfully honest and caring people I have ever met. He had extraordinary energy and a truly positive nature. I only wish I had known him better.
Walter Adams
June 15, 2014
I have known Robert for "forever". The mutual energy we spent together provided me with the unparalleled joy of opening and closing his summer home in Fire Island for 24 years. I respect and appreciate his unfailing zest for life, even when faced with physical problems under which most people would buckle. His example of that "zest" has been and will be a model for my life. I will miss him and hope he finds great additional joy in his continuing adventure.
Theresa H
June 15, 2014
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your dear husband. It can be very difficult to cope with losing your best friend. Please be assured that God is aware of your pain and He promises that widows will be looked after during tribulations. (James 1:27)
James-Michael von Stroebel
June 15, 2014
Bob was a close friend of 64 years. In addition to his strong support and leadership of the arts, of the needy and AIDS issues, he quietly assisted many friends who fell on hard times. He was a happy person who entertained well and made others also happy. Many will miss him, but all of his friends will remember him.
June 14, 2014
Robert did a lot for me. even though I was only a niece by marriage. I will never cease to be grateful to the incredible. warm, dynamic and charismatic man that he was.
Rowan Wymark
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in ROBERT ALFANDRE's name
Memorial Events
for ROBERT ALFANDRE
How to support ROBERT's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor ROBERT ALFANDRE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
