William "Bill's Obituary
William I. "Bill, Buck" Alfree, age 89, of Rehoboth Beach, DE passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Seasons Hospice Center & Palliative Care of Delaware in Newark, DE. He was born on April 17, 1925 in New Castle, DE, 10 of 11 children to the late William Francis and Abbie (Sharpe) Alfree.
Buck enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. During this time, Buck was selected to participate in the Navy’s newest amphibious training called the Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) which was the precursor to the Navy Seals. The sailors were known as “Frogmen”.
While living in New Castle, DE, Buck volunteered at St. Peter’s Church and served as Scout master for the Boy Scouts. He was also a member of St. Anthony’s Club, the local VFW and American Legions in both New Castle and Rehoboth Beach, DE areas.
Buck was an excellent craftsman and all around handyman. He enjoyed doing wood projects for his family and friends. He retired as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor from Grotto Pizza.
In addition to his parents, Buck was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy “Dot” Alfree on December 24, 2014, his sisters, Gladys Hartnett, Frances Hinton, Myrtle Coccagna, Catherine Welch and Phyllis Fox; his brothers: Charles “Eben,” Woodrow and John; and his faithful dog Cee Cee. Buck is survived by his children, Bill (Jeri) of Reddington Beach, FL, Mike (Barbara) of New Castle, DE, Gerald of New Castle, DE, Hank (Beth) of Wilmington, DE and Felicine (Bob) Oakes of Hockessin, DE; 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Helen McCafferty and Elma Bolen both of New Castle, DE.
A joint visitation for Buck and Dot will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015 from 3 to 5 at Krienen & Griffith Funeral Home, 34 West 6th Street, New Castle 19720. Burial will be private at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Buck’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Delaware Humane Association, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Please sign Buck’s guestbook located on this site.
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