Thomas (Tommy) Lawrence Alfano, Sr., age 97, passed away, after an extended illness, Monday, February 12, 2018 in Highland Hospital in Picayune. Tommy was born in Hearne, Texas in 1920 to Adelene & Lawrence Alfano, graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1938, and attended Texas A&M and Tulane University. He married Maxine Fedoroff Alfano on 11/3/1940 in New Orleans, they had three children together, and they celebrated their 77th year of marriage this past November.

Tommy was an Eagle Scout and a Sea Scout, and served in the US Army Air Corps from May, 1943 to November, 1945, having been commissioned as a bombardier and becoming a qualified carbine marksman in December, 1943. He remained in the Air Force Reserves for many years, and retired as a Major in 1970.

He learned and eventually taught watchmaking.  He retired from his jewelry and watch repair business in 1985 and moved to Carriere, Mississippi. Tommy was an active member of Masonic Lodge 102 and served as Grand Master of both the New York and Scottish Rite Temples in 1978.

He loved to travel and he was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Thomas Alfano and Adelene Corte Alfano; brother, Frank Philip Alfano; son, Frank Thomas Alfano, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Elsa Cooper Alfano; brother-in-law, Peter Fedoroff Jr.; sister-in-laws: Rosemary Kunkel Fedoroff, Lottie M. Fedoroff and Gloria Alfano; niece, Bronwyn Alfano; nephew, Peter Fedoroff, III; nephew-in-law, Douglas Carlos; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine May Fedoroff Alfano; children: Adelene Ann Alfano and Thomas Lawrence Alfano, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Lucille Gasecki; grandchildren, Bridget Cabibi-Wilkin (Daryn Wilkin), Andrew Alfano, Sr., Mary Jones (David), Chanell Alfano Costa (Garrin, Sr.), Frank Alfano, Jr., Laurie Alfano Kramer, Lawrence Alfano (Kemma), and three others; 25 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; nieces: Dianne Fedoroff Carlos and Darnay Alfano Kastl; and many other nieces, nephews and their families.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and a very large family, all of whom were very important to him. Tommy’s funeral was Friday, 2/16/2018 and his final resting place is Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum in Metairie, Louisiana.

Our family sincerely appreciates and thanks everyone who loved and cared for Tommy. The staff of Picayune Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, St. Joseph Hospice and Highland Hospital ICU were exceptional, and the family is very grateful for their care and comfort.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life” service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1421 Goodyear Blvd., Picayune, Mississippi 39466 on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.