Alfred V. Fermino, 82, of Orlando, FL died November 18, 2008 at Vitas Hospice after a brief illness.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Valentine and Dominga (Fortes) Fermino, he lived in Providence and New Bedford most of his life before moving to Orlando in 1994.
Mr. Fermino was formerly employed as a correctional officer at Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute for many years until retirement.
Alfredo was known affectionately to his family and friends, as "Freddie", "Fred", "Big Al", and "Al." Since he was the youngest of the Fermino Clan, everyone catered to him. An avid singer and guitar player, he enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with stories of his life's adventures. He enjoyed watching sports and was a diehard Red Sox fan.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Bunker Hill CV 17 and U.S.S. Caperton DD 650. He was the recipient of the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with one star, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was a boxer during his time in the Navy and later in New Bedford.
Survivors include a sister, Ruth Holland of Providence; three grandsons, Michael, Joel, and Brandon Fermino; his caretakers in Florida, nephew Leon Rogers, niece Sharon Gonsalves, and friend Sammy DeJesus; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was the father of the late Jib Fermino, and the brother of the late Albert Fermino, Anthony Fermino, Henry Fermino, Joseph Fermino, James Fermino, Peter Fermino, Valentino "Freeman" Fermino, Virginia Fermino, Evangeline Blake, Marie Johnson, Anne Rogers, and Lillian Stallings.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.