Alfred A. DeChurch 1929-2024

Alfred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Phyllis; his two boys, Alfred and Robert; and their families.

Alfred was a first-generation Italian American, born Nov. 19, 1929, in Sykesville, Pa. Alfred was the third oldest in a family of six children born to Amerigo DeChurch and Lucia Ferrante.

Alfred was the younger brother to sisters, Elsie and Adeline, and oldest brother to two brothers, Lawrence (lovingly known and referred to as Larry) and George, and younger sister, Patricia. Alfred enjoyed many years of his youth playing sports with his brothers and sisters, and sharing many weddings, reunions, birthdays and casual visits in their adult lives.

Alfred was the last of his family, saying goodbye to his three sisters and two brothers in the past few years. Alfred and his siblings were blessed to live long lives and have the opportunity to know their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alfred and his siblings were born into a working family, with all his siblings having jobs throughout their youth. Alfred had many jobs spanning from a movie ticket taker, a horse caretaker, an operator at Swedlow Plastics Inc., and for most of his working life, a finish carpenter.

Alfred eventually moved out of his birthplace and to Youngstown in 1950. After honing his craft and working for some years, Alfred became a member of the Carpenters Local Union 171.

While in Youngstown, he met Phyllis at the Idora Park Ballroom, and in a few short years they were married on May 15, 1954.

Alfred and Phyllis both came from Italian Immigrant families and knew that they too wanted to start a family. They put their roots down in Youngstown and raised their two boys. Alfred’s oldest, Alfred, was an auditor for the state of Ohio, and his son, Robert, a chemical engineer. Both Alfred and Robert married women from the Youngstown area and raised their children here.

Alfred loved his daughters-in-law, Alfred’s wife, Maria Caparso, and Robert’s wife, Carolyn Brennan. Alfred was blessed to have a chance to experience being a grandfather to his oldest son’s daughter, Dr. Lucia DeChurch, as well as his youngest son’s four children, Robert, Rachel, Cara and Dr. Alexander DeChurch. Alfred was also able to experience the joys of being a great-grandfather to the three children of Rachel and her husband, Jason Kish, Julius, Jordan and Jade Kish.

Alfred enjoyed many years of watching his grandchildren’s sporting and dance competitions, weddings, graduations and take your grandfather to school days.

Although Alfred was born in Sykesville, he called Youngstown his home.

Besides spending time with his family, Alfred enjoyed spending time playing golf (boasting a hole-in-one at a local course in 1989), attending church at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, watching baseball, spending time with his friends and getting breakfast with his union buddies. Alfred and his wife, Phyllis, were regular walkers at the Southern Park Mall and spent their fair share of time at Hollywood Gaming in Austintown. More than anything, Alfred loved spending time with Phyllis, his best friend and eternal soulmate.

Alfred’s life and legacy is one of handwork, family and true love. Alfred’s family mourns his death but rejoices in the life they shared with him.

Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Funeral services will begin 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, with Msgr. Michael Cariglio as celebrant.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Alfred’s family.

(special notice)