Vaughn G. Aylward was born in Tarrytown, NY on March 11, 1929. He is the son of Joseph & Jessie Alyward. As a child, Vaughn lived in Tarrytown and later moved to White Plains where he was drafted into the US Army at age 19. He deployed to Germany and served two years overseas. Upon his return stateside, he served an additional six years in the Army Reserves. He married Jean Marie Aylward and had two sons, Roger (Brookfield, CT) and Rory (Astoria, NY). He was predeceased by his second wife, Geraldine Benson in 2009. He married the love of his life, Tressa Aylward on May 2, 2012. Vaughn is survived by: Tressa Aylward (wife), Roger & Rory Aylward (sons), Barbara & Danielle Benson (step children, NY), Angela, Randi and Joseph (step children, IN). He has 8 grandchildren: Jewleena, Justiam, Milina, Isaiah, Mara, Alex, Jonathan, and Colton.
Vaughn was a lifetime member of the American Legion, a 45 year member of Alcoholics Anonymous, New York Central Historical Society, New York Central Railroad Club, NRA, Sun City Railroad Club, and the Internet Railroad Club. He was passionate about his love of trains and proudly displayed his Ferroequinologist sticker on his truck (also known as a Train Chaser). He spent much of his life in activities related to his love of trains. He traveled cross country to see and photograph trains, documented the history of the railroad companies, and had a personal train layout in his own home.
Vaughn had a passion for driving. In the Army, it was a tanker truck. Throughout his career, he drove dump trucks, buses, and even a taxi cab in New York City. He also worked as a United States Postal Supervisor. In 1995, upon his move to Arizona, he worked Security at the Peoria Courthouse. Vaughn's final retirement was in 2002.
Vaughn was loved and respected by family, extended family, and everyone he came into contact with. He was a kind and generous soul, freely sharing wisdom, strength, and hope throughout his lifetime. He never thought of himself, rather, he spent time in service to others, sharing his time and talents without any reservation. Vaughn dedicated his life to Christ and remained in His service until the end of his life.
Vaughn passed in hospice care on April 9, 2019. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on April 20th at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W Desert Cove, Peoria, AZ 85345. Potluck meal to follow provided by the American Legion, Early Bird Lions Club, family and friends.
A second service will be held in Vaughn's honor in July 2019 and he will be interred at a family cemetery in Bedford, Indiana.
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