Alfred Thomas Altopiedi

Alfred T. Altopiedi, a cherished patriarch, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 93. He was born February 18,1931 and lived at 21st and Snyder in South Philadelphia. Al was the youngest child of Orazio and Antoinette (Peruzzi) Altopiedi.   On New Year’s Eve of 1954, he met his beloved wife, Jean (nee Martelli). He always said that it was the leopard dress that Jean was wearing that first caught his eye! They married on September 10,1955 and they were together for 68 years. Their marriage was blessed with the births of their children: Deborah (Michael McGlone), Alfred V. (Deborah), Theresa (John Quinn), Judith (Tom Martin), David, Yvonne (Pete Hamill). Adding family joy and making him a renowned PopPop and Great- Pop are his 14 grandchildren, Tommy Q., Peter, Tommy M., Vincent, Christine, Brittany, Tyler, Angela, Eileen, Timothy, Lauren, A. Vincent, Nicholas and Christopher and his 7 great grandchildren, Brooklyn, Tommy, Cal, Connor, Brenna, Jason, and Darcy. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Angela and Anthony Mangano, nieces and nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his sister, Catherine and brother, Carmen.

Al graduated Villanova University in Electrical Engineering and made sure that his children were avid Villanova Basketball fans, even if they attended St. Joe’s!   His career began working at General Electric, but he then moved on to work at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in the Quality Control Division. Al became a Certified Quality Engineer and eventually became a teacher for the American Society of Quality Assurance, teaching statistics and quality management. He visited and audited shipyards throughout the U.S. He always said that he loved his job and looked forward to going to work each day. Al attended Malvern’s Mother’s Day Retreat Weekend for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, coached little league and taught a safe driving class to older adults.

Al retired at the age of 60 and being a PopPop added a whole new dimension to his life. There were lots of birthdays, sacraments, and sports. It did not matter the age, sport, or state that his grandchild had a game in, Al was always in the stands or on the sidelines rooting for them. His children and grandchildren will always remember Christmas Eve celebrations and vacations in the Outer Banks and Wildwood Crest.

Al will long be remembered for his devotion and love for his wife and family. Al and Jean enjoyed beautiful trips to the Caribbean, Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii. He attended Mass daily and when asked to what he credited the longevity of his marriage, he said, “The Lord”.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation 9:30-11:00 A.M. Monday, March 25th at St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082 followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M.  Interment Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA  19064.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Laurence Church.