Albert G. Fiorenza, Sr. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and a former longtime resident of Wilmington passed away peacefully at his home on September 19, 2014 following a period of declining health. He was 83 years of age. Born in Medford he was one of fourteen children of the late Joseph J. and Evelyn (Cosantino) Fiorenza.

"Al" as he was affectionately known to his family and friends lived in Medford as a young boy before moving with his family to Wilmington where attended Wilmington Schools. Al was a proud and highly decorated combat veteran of the Korean War. He honorably served as a Corporal in the United States Army with 1st Calvary Division. He was the recipient of the Silver Star, the third highest combat medal in the U.S. military, for his gallantry in action against an armed enemy. He was also the recipient of the Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars and the Good Conduct Medal.

When Al returned home to Wilmington from the war, he began working in the coffee truck business and soon became very successful. He later expanded his business and owned and operated Kustom Katerers Inc. which helped large businesses with feeding their employees. Always the entrepreneur, Al then opened and operated the ALCO Leasing and Sales Co that sold and leased state of the art canteen trucks. Al eventually turned the site of the ALCO Company on West Street into the well-known, Casa di Fior Function Facility, that he successfully owned and operated for over forty years. Al was also the owner operator of the Three Cheers Restaurant in Boston from 1982 to 2006, and was a partner in the DeCosta Sausage Co. of Woburn for many years. Al even worked as a successful real estate developer and was the owner of the Andover Heights Development Co. for several years.

Al was a senior life member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co of MA and proudly served as the Captain Commanding from 1999-2000. In his leisure time he enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Indian Ridge Golf Club in Andover and also enjoyed raising and showing Arabian Horses. Al loved to travel and was fortunate enough to travel the world over, however nothing gave him more joy than his family. He was truly devoted to them and cherished all the many times that they were together as a family celebrating holidays and special family events.

Al is lovingly survived by his children; Albert G. Fiorenza Jr. and Barry W. Fiorenza, both of Florida, Paul J. Fiorenza and his wife Shary of Wilmington, Lee Ann Fiorenza of Salem, Robin Fiorenza Macdonald and her husband Douglas of Wilmington, Milana Fiorenza Smith and her husband Sean of Texas. He was the loving grandfather of Angela, Sabrina, Albert III, Paul II, Arianna, Bianca, Andrew, Alex, Gianna, and Mason and was the loving great grandfather of Anson. He was the Brother of Anna Reinold, Evelyn Deteso, Arlene MacLean, Maryann Carey, James, George, Lawrence and Edward Fiorenza, the late Camille Evans, Carl, Joseph, Richard and Paulette Fiorenza. He is also survived by his devoted friend and caregiver, Beatrice Louissaint of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington, Wednesday, September 24th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St., ANDOVER, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Tuesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Al's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Local Heroes Inc., P.O. BOX 536, Wilmington, MA 01887.