Navy WWII Veteran, Longtime Wilmington Resident Recalled as 'Kind and Caring' Man

Alfred was born on August 27, 1925, in Stoneham, MA; he was the son of the late Alfred S., Sr. and Edith (Wormersley) Blackburn. Alfred was raised and educated in Wilmington, MA before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II.

Alfred began active Service on October 1, 1943; he served overseas from December of 1944 through March of 1946 with the Army Corps of Engineers.  His company served all over Central Europe  and fought at the battle of Luzon.   Alfred received several medals and commendations for his courageous service and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in April of 1946 returning home to his family in Wilmington.

Alfred married his beloved wife Valentina Costa in 1944; the couple lived in Wilmington and had many wonderful years together before her passing in 1992.

Prior to retiring, Alfred worked at the General Electric Company for many years.   His work ethic and dedication to his job made him a favorite amongst his bosses as well as his co-workers.

In his spare time, Alfred enjoyed fishing and collecting mini cars; he could work on anything mechanical and was a talented gardener who made beautiful landscapes throughout his yard.

Following the death of his wife, Alfred went to visit some childhood friends in Spring Hill, Florida and enjoyed the area so much that within a couple of years he retired, bought his own place and made Spring Hill his new home. Albert made many friends in Florida and spent several years there with his companion Hazel Meyer before her passing in 2008.

Albert will be fondly remembered as a very kind and caring man; he loved his family and friends unconditionally and he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Albert was the cherished son of the late Alfred S. Sr. and Edith (Wormersley) Blackburn, beloved husband of the late Valentina (Costa), dear brother of Alice V. MacDonald of Salem, NH, the late Edith B. Millett, Florence V. Heenan, and Beverly A. Townley, loving uncle of several nieces and nephews.   Alfred was also very special to his companion the late Hazel Meyer and her daughter Nancy (Meyer) Graves of Spring Hill, FL.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service on Thursday, July 3 rdat 11:00 a.m. in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington.   Interment with Military Honors to follow in Wildwood Cemetery.   Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2 nd from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations in Alfred’s memory may be made to a Hospice of your Choice.