Alfred Estes

(Dec 26, 1933 - July 9, 2024)

Alfred F. Estes, of Rochester New Hampshire, died July 9, 2024 at the age of 90, after a period of declining health.

Born on December 26, 1933 to Hilda (Estes) Erickson and Elmer Estes in Rochester, Al spent his childhood in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and graduated from the Boston Trade School in 1952. He joined the military at age 17 spending time in both the Navy (Korean War) and the Air Force (Vietnam War), from which he retired from in 1973 after serving over 20 years. While in the Air Force, Al served as a jet engine mechanic as part of the SR-71, YF-12 (U-2) reconnaissance aircraft teams, as well as, the F-15 and F-16 fighter jet crews. Following his service, Al began his second career as a jet engine mechanic for Pratt & Whitney and Avial, retiring for a second time in 1993, after completing the contract award for the F-22 fighter.

Al traveled overseas and across the United States during his career(s), spending many years in Lancaster, California, raising his four children. Al eventually left Lancaster and returned to Rochester, NH., in 2002, where he took care of his ailing mother until she passed.

An avid fisherman, golfer, outdoorsman, and jigsaw puzzle-solver in his younger days, he loved the outdoors and fly fishing was one of his favorite hobbies. As a mechanic, he enjoyed vintage cars and motorcycles and passed that passion on to his kids. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, and was a passionate Dodgers and Red Sox fan. Al was extremely generous and always there to help, whether it be for his children, grandchildren, his many nieces and nephews, or the next-door neighbor, never wanting anything in return.

Al was preceded in death by his wife Barbara J. Estes (Sullivan), his mother Hilda Erickson Kahps (Estes), father Elmer Estes, sister Elona (Sis) Dodge, step-sister Ruth Strong, and brother Tim Estes.

He is survived by his four children, Sandy (Jay) Facey of Henderson, NV., Mike (Susie) Estes of Tehachapi, CA., Laurie (Brian) Bridgeman of Las Vegas, NV., and Jim (Christy) Estes of Wasilla, AK., 9 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Per Al’s wishes, a private funeral service will be held at Joshua Memorial Cemetery, in Lancaster, California, at the family plot, where his ashes will be laid to rest next to his wife.