Alfred Philippe

Alfred Bernhard Philippe, 89, of Sanford, Maine passed away Saturday May 25, 2013 at the Pavilion Assisted Living Center, peacefully with family at his side.He was born in Thal, St.Gallen, Switzerland on Dec 18, 1923 to Bernhard and Pauline Mueller, Philippe. He emigrated from Switzerland, with his mother, father and sister at an early age. He was educated in the St Joseph's school system in Pittsfield MA. During his high school years he enjoyed playing the trumpet with his friends, who had a band in Pittsfield for a short time.He enlisted in the Navy in April 1943 and served throughout the war aboard the destroyer escort USS Coghlan DD-606. During his service he was awarded 8 battle stars and the Purple Heart.Upon discharge from the Navy, he married his high school sweetheart Eleanor Schultz, on November 12, 1945. They were married for 63 years. Eleanor died in November 2008.After military service he began an apprenticeship to become a typewriter repair technician. After working several years in area shops he was hired by the General Electric in Pittsfield MA. He began his 32 year career with GE as a typewriter repair technician, later he worked as an inspector in the Power Transformer Dept. and finished his employment with GE in the Naval Ordinance Group where he held the highest security clearance allowed by civilians. He retired from the General Electric in 1982.Al was one of the New York Yankees' most avid fans. In the days when radio was the only way to listen to the game he would find a distant radio station and somehow listen to the entire game. He also was the best Yankees' trivia person we knew, with details and facts going as far back as when he was a young boy. Later in life he enjoyed gardening with his wife and spending time with his beloved dogs Fritz, Fritz II, and Kayla. Al's quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him!He and his wife moved to Sanford Maine to be with their sons in 1984, and began servicing typewriters and office equipment throughout Southern Maine for Fisher James Co. He worked full time until the age of 86 when he incurred a severe injury. He leaves behind his 4 children David Philippe and wife Linda of The Villages, Florida, Diane Gingras and husband Thomas of Pittsfield, MA, James Philippe and wife Leslie and Robert Philippe of Sanford, Maine. He also leaves 6 grandchildren Alicia Simino, Sean Philippe, Kim Anhaueser, James Jr., Brian and Andrew Philippe and 5 great grandchildren Zachary and Jacob Simino, Lauren and Derek Anhaueser, and Kinsley Philippe. He is survived by his sister, Pauline Harris of Pittsfield, MA. He was predeceased by his wife Eleanor and his brother Robert Philippe.A Mass of Christian Burial for Alfred will be celebrated on Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m., at St. Charles Church celebrated by Pastor, A. Peter Gregory. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield MA.Local arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.