Alphonse Frank Maiorino Jr, recently of Pittsfield, MA, died April 16, 2024, after a long illness at the age of 81.  Al, known as "Junie" to his CT family, was born in New Haven, CT, February 17, 1943, to Alphonse Maiorino Sr. and Matilda Turcio Maiorino.  He is survived by his son, Alex (Cindy) Vanbeek and grandchildren: Peyton, Alyana, and Kristen of West Springfield, MA, and his brothers, Nicholas (Patricia) Maiorino of Orange, CT, and John (Carolyn) Maiorino of The Villages, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews. Al grew up in New Haven where he graduated from Wilbur Cross High School, class of 1961.  After graduation, he went to work for the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad until his retirement after which he moved to the Springfield, MA area.

A generous and people centered person, Al spent much of his retirement volunteering in several capacities. He was an avid sports enthusiast and devoted much of his early retirement volunteering for the Boys and Girls Clubs as a basketball and baseball coach.  He and his son enjoyed many adventures together while Alex was involved in BMX Racing, often traveling along the Eastern seaboard to races.

In addition to sports, Al was an accomplished cook having inherited his mother's culinary talent, priding himself on having mastered her "stuffed calamari" recipe.  This interest in food spilled over to his many years as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels at the Southwick, MA, Council on Aging, delivering food to the elderly and shut ins.  His work with the organization earned him several "Awards of Excellence" including a 10-year honor.

While Al devoted so much time to volunteer work, he also maintained a part time job with Walmart, working in various capacities.  This, too, earned him honors such as being recognized as "Employee of the Month" numerous times.

Though Al's early years were challenging, they imbued him with many noble attributes.  He had a special place in his heart for rescue dogs, especially Basset Hounds, and shared his home with several over the years. He was a devoted and generous friend to many, always looking for the good in others and accepting them for who they were. The most beautiful tribute and summary of Al's life can be seen in a line from a letter Alex wrote to him on his 80th birthday: "Happy 80th to one of the best men I've ever known…You have been the only person in my life that has always been there, no matter what.  I love you, Dad!"

Calling hours are Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1-2pm at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield followed by a Funeral Home Service at 2pm. Interment in St. Lawrence Cemetery, New Haven, CT will be private and held at a later day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Al's honor to The Southwick Council on Aging, 454 College Highway, Southwick, MA, 01077.  Please note "Meals on Wheels" in the memo line.