Alfred J. Traversi

Waltham - Mr. Alfred J Traversi, beloved husband to his wife Dorothy for the past 71 years, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2015 in Newton-Wellesley Hospital surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Fred was the family patriarch who lived his 92 years guided by deeply rooted values, unwavering faith, and a genuine respect and love for others that will provide a lasting legacy for his family and friends. The mutual devotion between Fred and his wife Dot will be shared eternally.

Alfred J. Traversi was born in Newton on November 26, 1922 to Italian immigrant parents, John and Mary (Congero) Traversi. Soon after graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Newton, he met his soon to be wife, Dorothy Rose Bove, while she was walking her dog. After a 3 month romance, and one day before joining the 91st Division of the U.S. Army to fight in World War II, Fred married Dorothy in October 1943.

A decorated World War II veteran, Fred and Dorothy made their home in Watertown after his discharge from the service where they raised their two sons, Thomas and Alfred Traversi. Fred worked as a plant supervisor and later as a custodian for the Watertown schools.

His passion fell outside of work, where he was actively involved with the activities of his family and friends. At 43 years old, he took up the game of golf and was a member of the Leo J Martin Golf Club for 50 years where he developed lasting friendships and memories. At 91 years old, he played his last round of golf shooting below his age.

His love for gardening was fostered in his early childhood when he accompanied his mother daily to work on the farm. His gardens were labors of joy, where he spent hours each day delighting in helping things grow. Many of his life's lessons for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren occurred in his "garden of life".

It was his love and devotion to his family and friends that were the hallmarks of his life. He was generous in his time and commitment to help others and openly proud of their accomplishments. Later in life he became active in championing the causes of veterans and senior citizens where he spent much of his free time. A man of strong faith, Fred was an active member of Saint Jude's Parish for the past 65 years.

Fred leaves his beloved wife, Dorothy, who resides in their Waltham home; his children, Thomas J. Traversi and his wife, Patricia of Barnstable and Fred A. Traversi and his wife, Patricia, of Concord; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Margaret Panagio, Madeline Mancuso, Eleanor Mancuso, Kay Barbato, Antoinette Paton, Carmela Halleck, Nina Scarpino, John Traversi and Alan Traversi and the father-in-law of the late Dawna Traversi.

Family and friends will honor and remember Fred's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, July 6th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham.