Alfred J. Lussier, 84, of Waltham, died late in the evening on Friday, March 6, 2009 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Bedford MA, of natural causes after a prolonged illness. He had been ill for the past year, was hospitalized intermittently, and had been staying at the Marist Hill Nursing Home in Waltham, MA. He had just moved into the Veteran’s Hospital in February.
Alfred preferred to be called by his nickname Al. He was born on December 15, 1924 in West Peterborough New Hampshire, to Henry Joseph Lussier of Lowell MA, and Belle Anna Lussier of Biddeford, Maine. Belle’s maiden name was Thibault. Al spent his childhood in West Peterborough and graduated from West Peterborough High School.
Al’s brother Donat lives in Florida, his sister Ida Baldwin lives in New Hampshire, his sister Jane Baird lives in Florida and his sister Elsie Gagnoblives in Durham NH.
Al lived in Watertown until 1984 and retired from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles in 1988.
Al married Frances A. Long of Needham in October 1984 and moved to Waltham where he lived with Frances until being hospitalized early in 2008.
Al liked sports and enjoyed watching Red Sox baseball games and Patriots football games on television and playing golf. He also enjoyed swimming in his backyard pool, which he called the Briar Hill Pool Club - and playing pool on an old fashioned, classic, slate pool table in his den.
Al attended Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church in Newton and Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church in Waltham with his beloved wife Frances before he was hospitalized.
During World War II, Al served as a Rifleman in Company C of the 22nd Infantry Division. He joined the Army in July 1943 when he was 18 years old. He fought in Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. He earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He was also an Expert Marksman. He was wounded twice and received a Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received a Bronze Star Medal for heroism and the European, African, Middleastern Theater Campaign Ribbon with three service stars. Al was discharged from the Army in July 1945 because of his wounds. He was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Al is survived by Frances A. Lussier, his beloved wife, who lives in Waltham. He is also survived by three adult stepchildren, their spouses, and their children: David Long and Beverly Long of Natick and their son Wesley; Richard Long and Virginia Long of Needham and their daughters Kelly, Karen, and Melissa; and Daniel Long and Sheryl Long of Pembroke and their daughter Christine and their son Matthew.
Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Avenue Needham, on Friday, March 13 at 9:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, Newton Upper Falls at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Thursday from 4-7 PM. Interment with Military Honors will be held at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Needham.