Alfred Felix Garbagnati, 87
Alfred Felix Garbagnati, 87, died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at his daughter's residence in Kalispell. Al passed away after a wonderful healthy life from a short and swift bout with cancer. He was born on July 4, 1922, in Carlstadt, N.J., the son of Dominick Guiseppe and Elisabeth (Merlo) Garbagnati. Al's mother died at a young age and his father was remarried to Caroline Ronzoni.
Al grew up in Union City, N.J. He worked in the tool and die industry until enlisting in the Army Air Corps for World War II. He was sent to Midland, Texas, after basic training and was picked to train bombardiers, and stayed in Midland throughout the war.
He met his wife-to-be, Marye Walthall, and they were married in 1945. After the war they moved back to New Jersey and settled in Cresskill. Al quickly got involved with the Cresskill Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Squad and volunteered countless hours.
After moving to Tempe, Ariz., in 1967, Al traveled the world for Motorola and home-based at the Mesa plant. After his retirement, he started his own consulting business and, in-between, traveled the world on cruise ships with his wife Marye. They celebrated 50 years together shortly before her death in 1996.
Al loved volunteering for the Tempe Police Department. He was a Volunteer in Policing (VIP) for six and a half years until he moved to Montana. His high degree of dedication to all the positions he held was recognized by "Awards for Excellence" from the Police Department in 2004, 2005 and 2009, and he was also awarded the AVACA (a statewide volunteer administrator award) Volunteer of the Year.
Al leaves behind good friends and fond memories. He will be so missed in VIPs and at the T.P.D.
Al will join his wife at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Ariz., at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, with full military honors. A reception will follow at his home in Tempe.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Al's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Al's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.