Alfred "Al" Jonasch Jr.

His family will remember Al as a hard-working and kind man who dedicated his life to his beloved family, community and fire service.

Born in Norwich to the late Alfred and Rita (LaBrie) Jonasch, Al graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1968 before serving five years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era as a cook on submarines, including the USS Thomas Jefferson. While at sea, he was notified by telegram that his wife, the late Teresa (Daigle) Jonasch, had given birth to the couple’s first of three children. Al was later awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Good Conduct Award for his time in the military, something he took extraordinary pride in.

After returning home to Norwich, Al worked at Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton as a preheat engineer and x-ray technician, as well as other jobs. He eventually changed careers and became a professional firefighter in 1979. He had become interested in the field while volunteering with the Yantic Fire Engine Co. No. 1, where he remained an honorary member until his death. Al once told a Norwich Bulletin reporter he was attracted to the fire service because something new happened every day and he could have an immediate impact on people’s lives. Al served 23 years with the city fire department before retiring as a captain and deputy fire marshal.

Love of family and supporting Norwich were both hallmarks of Al’s life. He was involved with numerous organizations and fundraising efforts over the years, including the Special Olympics, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Norwich Harbor Day. He often pitched in by calling bingo numbers or lending his cooking skills for charity events and helped to build the Norwich Fire Department’s floats in the Christmas Day parades. Al loved children and coached or umpired his own kids’ sports teams. As deputy fire marshal, he was also a familiar face in the local schools, teaching children about the importance of fire safety. He also started the city’s babysitting certification program.

Predeceased by his wife Teresa and son-in-law Matthew Gudauskas, Al is survived by his sisters Carol (Richard) Bernier and Donna Burdick; his daughters Melissa (John) McGuire III and Holly Gudauskas and son Alfred “AJ” Jonasch III. He’s also survived by four grandchildren he adored: Kaitlyn McGuire, Shaun McGuire, Brandon Gudauskas and Teresa Gudauskas; and he leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Al was also very fond of his two faithful dogs, Sandy, and Sissy.

During his retirement, Al was a regular on the golf course. A former member of the Norwich Golf League, Al often played every Tuesday. He also enjoyed bowling and was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. Over the years, Al was also a member of various clubs, including VFW Post 594 and the Silver Star Athletic Club in Norwich.

The calling hours will be at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich on Dec 8th from 4-8pm. The funeral will be at Sacred Heart Church Norwichtown Dec 9th at 10am, burial to follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich.

In lieu of flowers please donate to TheArcECT on 125 Sachem St, Norwich CT, and the Yantic Fire Department 151 Yantic Rd Yantic, CT 06389