Alfred Vassallo

Alfred was born on June 28, 1939 in Tarxien, Malta. He came to America when he was just a boy and spent the next 76 years cultivating a life that was rich in love and friendship, built on hard work.

Al’s life always involved cars. He began work at an auto parts store before he got his start at Firestone where he worked for many years. He then went on to have a 25 year plus long career at Ford Motor Company before retirement. His time as a mechanic, however, lasted well into his late 70’s as he continued to work on the cars of his friends and family. In his spare time, Al worked as a hobbyist crafting model airplanes. His fascination and love of planes became a trademark of his and exemplified his creative and artistic side.

Al was kind, generous, and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He made friends wherever he went, whether it be at the corner store by his house or the restaurants he frequented. Everyone was fond of Al. He was incredibly funny. He loved to tease, joke, pull little pranks, and generally give people a hard time, but you could tell by his smile and the glint in his eyes that it just meant he liked you. It was one of his many endearing qualities.

Alfred is survived by his brother Arthur, sisters Marianna and Delores; his children John Vassallo and Camille Fleenor; six grandchildren who called him Nanu; one great-granddaughter: and a network of friends too large to count. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline, and his wife Charlotte.

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, Livonia. A Requiem Mass will follow Friday, October 2, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church of Livonia. Entombment will be at St. Hedwig Cemetery of Dearborn Heights followed by a Celebration of Life Lunch at Karl’s Cabin of Plymouth.