Walter Vernon Alston Jr.

Walter Vernon Alston, Jr. was born to the late Walter "Sonny" and Virgie Alston on February 26, 1950 in Harlem, New York. In 1954, Mr. and Mrs. Alston moved to Queens Bridge Housing development where Walter spent the majority of his life. As a youth, Walter attended the New York City School system and later attended Manhattan College.

Walter also known as Chick led an adventurous life. He married Yvette Orsini and later married Yvette Cushnie. He was a phenomenal man and is most remembered for his contribution to the Queens Bridge Community. During his tenure at the Jacob Riis Community Center, he touched many lives and is affectionately known as the Mayor of Queens Bridge. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards for his service to his community. But above all he was a God fearing man - One that did not fear death. He regularly spoke of his love for God and would often say “death is easy, living….now that’s the hard part”.

Although Walter gave much of his time and made sacrifices for the residents of his community, his pride and joy were his 11 children. As a father he was one-of-a-kind. From their own account, he had words that only a father could say and shared a special bond with each of them. He gave them nicknames like “Meat Head, Heada, Dullah, Fanboy and Chum-Chum and was lovingly called pop-pop by his grandchildren. In sum his children are and will forever be his legacy.

Preceding him in death are his daughters: Chandra Holmes and Kyra Alston; his father Walter “Sonny” Alston, and his brother Stanley Alston.

He leaves to morn his loving mother Mrs. Virgie Alston. Wife Helen Yvette Cushnie-Alston. Children: Lorenzo Jones, Joseph Tylon Alston, Shawn Alston, Alfredo Alston, Elaisha Alston, Nicole Alston, Vernon Alston, Kyle Alston, and Neleh Alston. Siblings Beverly Quinlan, Michael Alston, Patricia Alston, Kevin Alston, Carl Alston, Karen Alston, Kim Alston, Kenneth Alston, Keith Alston and Sharon Alston. One brother-in-law Sean Quinlan, Three sister-in-laws, Alexandria, Simone, and Andrea Alston. Four aunts: Beatrice, May, Shirley and Celestine. One uncle Gregory and one great Aunt Zella Hicks. A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, love ones and friends.

Our hearts are heavy with our loss of our beloved Walter Vernon Alston, but we are far more blessed to have shared life with him. As the songstress says “it is well my soul”

Arrangements under the direction of David Funeral Home, Astoria, NY.