Albert J. “Al” Auffrey, age 91, of New Bedford, formerly of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully Monday, March 31, 2014 at The Oaks in New Bedford. He was the husband of the late Jennie L. (Pietrzykowski) Auffrey.
He was born in Leger Corner, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of the late Archille “Archie” and Beatrice “Bessie” (Leblanc) Auffrey, he immigrated to New Bedford as an infant and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Normandin Junior High School and New Bedford Vocational High School.
Mr. Auffrey was employed as a Mechanical Engineer, Architect and Designer with several companies including the Hathaway Mills, General Electric, Berkshire–Hathaway, Rodney Metals/Teledyne.
In his youth, Al loved playing basketball and was an all-star on the North End Guild Basketball Team, and enjoyed boating, horseback riding and driving his cars as a teenager. Al spent most of his life living in Fairhaven except for the few years while working in North Carolina.
In younger years, he enjoyed traveling around the country and Canada with his wife Jennie. He also loved sailing his Herreshoff Catboat “Stardust” from Marion to local harbors. Al was a former member of the Low Tide Yacht Club, Sandwich Yacht Club and the Catboat Association where he former many friendships.
Mr. Auffrey spent 14 years at the Atria Assisted Living Community and could often be heard saying “yes dear” and “thank you, dear” to those who assisted him in his later years. Sunday’s with his daughter Sandy consisted of lunch and long drives by the ocean and out in the country through Marion Harbor, Mattapoisett Wharf, Ned’s Point, Fort Phoenix, Padanaram, the Cape Cod Canal, Westport and Dartmouth. He also enjoyed all types of music, especially classical and opera. Al was a gentleman and will be remembered as a loving father, husband and grandfather, who was patient, kind and had a quick wit.
His family would like to thank the staff at Atria and The Oaks, for the compassionate care they showed their father over the years.
He is survived by his two children Sandra L. Bonneau and her husband Russell of Rochester and Richard B. Auffrey and his wife Shelia of Canton, GA; a sister Mona Blackwood of Industry, PA; a son in-law Donald Hunt of New Bedford; three grandchildren Jason Barao, Rochelle Vasquez and David Auffrey; three step-grandchildren Jessica Noblet, Thomas Bonneau and Lauren Bonneau; five great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Pamela J. Hunt; brother of the late Rita Rich, Theresa Stackpole, Vaughn Auffrey and Jeffrey “Joe” Auffrey.
According to his wishes he will be cremated and private arrangements are in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at FAIRLAWN 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. Contribution in his honor may be made to Community Nurse & Hospice 62 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
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