Obituary of Alfie Joseph Angeli

Alfie J. Angeli, 96, of Plains Township, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at the General Hospital , Wilkes-Barre. Born on April 27,1917, in Springfield, Illinois, he was one of five siblings to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Borocci Angeli . When Alfie was an infant his family returned to the Keystone section of Plains. He attended local school and was a graduate of Plains Memorial High School, class of 1936. During his years at Plains he was an outstanding wrestler and football athlete. He was known as "Little Italy." In 1993, Alfie was inducted into the Plains Athlete Hall of Fame for his football skills. He continued onto higher education at Bloomsburg State Teachers College. He choose to return home after a year , and worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways as a supervisor until the United States entered in the second World War. Alfie joined the Army and quickly rose through the ranks from private to staff sergeant. He was platoon leader of 32 men of Company A 328th Infantry Regiment under the command of General Patton. Alfie was in charge of a light mortar squad that saw combat in the Ardennes, Central Europe, and the Rhineland. Alfie received medals for his leadership and bravery but received a bronze star for saving a fellow wounded soldier's life while under heavy fire. At the end of the war, Alfie returned home to the Plains area and become involved with local politics. He ran for commissioner of Plains and won the election. During this time he was employed as a meat cutter for several area supermarkets until he found his home at Sunshine Market. Alfie was employed by the Sunshine for fifteen years until his retirement at the age of 68. Alfie was a loving husband of forty six years to his late wife, the former Emma Desimone, who passed on July 30,2001. He was a caring father to his son Robert and daughter-in -law Joan, daughter Arlene, and a wonderful grandfather to Gerard and Joelle ; a loving brother to his sister Ida Riccetti; and a thoughtful uncle to his nieces and nephews. Alfie is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and his brothers Armond, Cleo, Joseph, and sister Hilda Poli. Alfie enjoyed living life. He was a life long bowler. He receive a ring for bowling a 299, an almost perfect game. He continued bowling up to the age of 92. Throughout his life, Alfie appreciated going hunting with his son and nephews; and golfing on the local courses. He achieved a hole in one at the Hollenback course in his retirement years. He was the oldest member of the Italian club, Hudson, and was a current member of the Perugia Club, Keystone. Alfie enjoyed his time playing cards and socializing with his friends. He was also a past member of Sacred Heart Church, Plains, until the church's closure, and a current member of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Plains. The family would like to thank the members of the Perugia club for all the care and concern that they extended to Alfie in his later years to ensure he was still able to enjoy their camaraderie at the club. Also a thank you to Dr. Glasso, Dr. Menio, Dr. Ridilla, and the staff on the eight floor of the General Hospital, for their kindness and empathy that they have shown recently and over the years for his care. Mr. Angeli's viewing will be held Monday evening from 5:00pm to 8:00 pm at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc.,55 Stark Street, Plains. Family and friends are asked to gather Tuesday morning at 9:30 am, in SS. Peter and Paul Church, 13 Hudson Road, Plains. The mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Rev. Joseph Greskiewicz. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Plains, with military honors provided by the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of their choice in loving memory of Alfie. Words of condolence and directions to the funeral home, and church can be accessed at www.yanaitisfuneralhome.com.