Alfred P. Dellapenna

Alfred “Al” P. Dellapenna, 87, died peacefully on Friday, August 19th, 2016. He was born in Holyoke, Ma. on November 19, 1928 to the late Aurora DeLage and Philip Dellapenna.  Al attended Sacred Heart School in Holyoke, joined the U.S. Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in June 1947.  Al worked as a truck driver and meat cutter for most of his life until he retired in 1992.  Al is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Helen M. Zawadzki, and his three daughters, Laura A. Dellapenna of Chicopee, Ma., Marty M. Dellapenna of Warwick, RI, Nancy Dellapenna Siegel and her husband, Jeffrey Siegel, of Westfield, Ma.; and his brother, Robert DellaPenna of Pembroke Pines, FL and beloved many nieces and nephews. A life-long trivia, movie and history lover, Al enjoyed being tested on his knowledge of state capitols, geography, who won the Oscar in 1935, etc. He loved bowling, golf, horseshoes, playing cards, and probably ate his weight in fish and chips, one of his favorite things.  At the age of 80, Al accompanied Nancy and Jeff to Egypt to see the pyramids, cruise the Nile and fulfill a dream to see many places he had only read about until then. Most importantly, Al loved his family, god-children, friends and co-workers, and that love radiated out in the world in ways we were blessed to see.  He was a devoted friend and confidante, a proud member of the American Legion Post 438 and the Holyoke Lodge of Elks, where he was a life member for 60 years.  Al was a communicant of Our Lady of the Cross Church in Holyoke, Ma. One of Al’s proudest accomplishments was purchasing his home in Granby, Ma. in 1965 and achieving his goal of home ownership where he raised his family and where his wife still resides. His loud voice and laughter will be greatly missed, along with his opinions on everything.  The makers of mayonnaise will miss his loyalty, as well hot dog manufacturers everywhere. The Dellapenna family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the staff at the Elaine Center of Hadley for their compassionate care to Al during his residence, to the staff at the Cardiac Unit at Cooley-Dickinson hospital during the last week of his life, and to Father David Raymond at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton for administering last rites to Al.  We are so grateful to everyone who reached out with their love and support for Al and his family. Relatives and friends are invited to a Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Cross Church in Holyoke, on Wed. Aug. 24th at 10 a.m. followed by internment in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery  So. Hadley. In lieu of flowers Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s association at : Western Ma. Office, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, Ma. 01104.

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