Alfred "Big Al" North

Alfred North, “Big Al”, age 77 of Blufton, SC, formerly of Warwick, RI, passed away on October 10th, 2023, at Caroline’s Cottage Hospice Center surrounded by his family.

His final days were filled with stories, country music, his favorite karaoke standards and visits from many caring friends and neighbors.

A “model train” loving, motorcycle ridin’, popcorn grazing, square dancin’, karaoke crooning guy, Big Al inspired many close friends and family in his later years with his daily “Gator Report” texts which morphed into morning inspirational messages that will be missed by many.

Alfred was born in Providence, RI on July 17th, 1946, to parents Wilfred and Gertrude (Bills) North, and was a cherished brother to his only sibling, sister Elsie (North) Brady.  A 1964 graduate of Johnston High School, Alfred then proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Vietnam era, and the Rhode Island Air National Guard 143rd division from 1972-2006.  He is a combat veteran serving in Desert Storm and retired at the rank of MSGT after 40 years of service.  He was a proud alum of Bryant College, class of 1980.

He was married to the love of his life, Diane (Huebbers) North for 54 wonderful years and was a proud, loving father to Heidi (North) Matczak and Alfred North, Jr.

Alfred adored his family and loved to take road trips, eat a good breakfast, and enjoyed a number of adventures with his wife Diane in their cherished life together.

Alfred adored his six grandchildren, Christopher North, Betsey Matczak and spouse Michael Bigalke, Grace Matczak, Emma North, Benjamin North and Mackenzie North and enjoyed many breakfast outings and countless other treasured memories with them.  He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law Thomas Brady, Rod Huebbers, and Butch Huebbers,  son-in-law Daniel Matczak, his daughter-in-law Danielle North, and many nieces and nephews.

Many people will recall Alfred from his 33 years at Almac’s stores in Rhode Island and he proudly displayed his numerous Almac’s memorabilia in his home for many years.

Alfred was extremely proud of his volunteer work with Samaratin’s Purse, God’s Goods, and was a multi-gallon blood donor.

Services will be held in Warwick, RI.  Alfred’s wake will be held on Sunday, October 22nd at the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral home from 4pm to 7pm.  A funeral mass will be held at the Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, Monday, October 23rd at 10am with a special gathering to follow at the East Greenwich Fireman’s Hall.  A memorial service will be held in South Carolina at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

His family would like to thank the staff at Coastal Carolina Hospital and Caroline’s Cottage for their care and compassion.

Please, in Alfred’s memory, dance at the party, raise the roof, sing that karaoke song, and take care of your friends and neighbors as he did throughout his life.

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