Alphonse R. Mancuso

Alphonse “Al” Mancuso passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. He was 99 years old.

 Al was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred Mancuso. He is survived by his children, Marcia Cormay and her husband, Charlie, of West Hyannisport, Lisa Resnick and her husband, Lloyd, of Concord, and John Mancuso and his wife, Kathy, of Westford; his grandchildren, Chuck Cormay, and Kyle Cormay, Matthew Salvo (Adrienne Soma) and Renee Salvo (Zareh Melkonian), Alex Mancuso (Samantha) and Haley Mancuso; and his three great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Jennie and Connie Mancuso, and was also survived by his second wife, Joan Mancuso of Dedham.

 Alphonse Ralph Mancuso was born on July 23, 1925 in Waltham to Salvatore Pasquale Mancuso and Rosa Pantanella, both part of the Italian immigration to the United States of the late nineteenth century.

 Growing up in a poor family during the Great Depression, Al learned to be extremely frugal. He lived by the motto "waste not, want not." He also was determined to work hard to make a better life for himself.

 Ever since he was a small boy Al had always been curious. He needed to know why things were the way they were and how they worked. Al attended Tufts University on a full academic scholarship. He was an excellent student, and through determination and hard work he graduated a year early, earning a degree in civil engineering.

 Al had a long career as an architect and engineer, designing industrial buildings and bridges in the Boston area during the 1960s and 70s. One of his notable projects was the air traffic control tower at Logan Airport. After retiring from full-time work, Al thoroughly enjoyed serving as an expert witness for many arbitration sessions throughout the Boston area.

 As a life-long devoted Catholic, prayer was central to his life. Al seemed to have a special relationship with God and they spoke frequently to each other throughout each day. He would study the Old and New Testaments as well as texts from other world religions. Al enjoyed conversations and debates about religion as well as the many other wonders of this life and beyond.

 Every summer, Al planted and tended to a large vegetable garden which ran the entire length of his in-ground pool. He continued the tradition his parents brought with them from the “old country” — you grow what you eat.

 Al was a loving father and grandfather. His grandchildren remember him as their “Papa”. When they were young, they spent time with him in his pool, played games, and picked berries in his garden. As his grandchildren grew older, Al relished celebrating their accomplishments, particularly in education.

 Family and friends will honor and remember Al’s life by gathering for an evening wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Thursday, December 12th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again Friday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Julia Church, 374 Boston Post Road, Weston, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Weston.

 The family would like to thank Bridges by Epoch in Sudbury for becoming his second family for four years. Our deepest gratitude also goes to Care Dimensions for excellent hospice care in Sudbury and at the Hospice House in Lincoln, and to HESSCO Elder Services for their support while Al was living in Norwood.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting one of the fine organizations above or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, Massachusetts 02452.