Alphonse "Al" Duplice, 87, of Groton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 16, 2015. Al was born in New London, on Aug. 3, 1927, to Pasquale and Anna Maria Duplice. He grew up in New London making waves and causing mischief.
On Oct. 2, 1948, he married the love of his life, the beautiful Mary DeLaura.
Al was a volunteer firefighter and served as a captain of the Eastern Point Fire Department, in addition to working at Pfizer from 1954 until he retired in 1990.
Married for 66 years, Al and Mary still continued to hold hands. Together they raised two beautiful children, their son, Alphonse Duplice Jr. of Mystic and their daughter, Julie Messina of Groton. His family grew when he became a grandfather to Charissa Mayer currently of Manchester, and Frankie Messina currently of Pawcatuck. The family continued to grow when his son Al married Sally Duplice (Birchell) and his granddaughter married Joe Mayer. Al became a loving "Great Papa" in May of 2010 to a great-granddaughter, Juliana Mayer and again in May 2012 to another great-granddaughter, Isla Mayer.
Al was a kind, caring, generous soul, who enjoyed cooking for large family gatherings, trips to the beach, and playing practical jokes on his loved ones. He was an avid sports fan who loved the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and the UConn women's basketball team. He told the most amazing stories and everyone loved hearing them. His love for his family and zest for life was contagious, spreading love and laughter wherever he went.
Al is survived by the aforementioned family members and by his sisters, Victoria and Patricia Duplice of New London and Theresa Givens of Georgia; his brother, John Duplice of Florida; along with many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Al will be greatly missed by his family.
His wishes are for private services and burial.
Donations in his memory may be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
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