Elvino Dellaghelfa, 90

ADAMS, Mass. — Elvino  “Al,” “Alvin” Dellaghelfa died peacefully at home on the evening of December 6, 2017, at the age of 90 years old.

Al was born in Adams, Mass., on March 27, 1927, to Celia (Volpi) Dellaghelfa and Constantino Dellaghelfa. In his younger years his family summered on their farm on Notch Road in Adams, and the rest of the year in the Zylonite section of Adams. After the family sold the farm, he continued to live in the Zylonite section (the northern part of Adams).

Al was the oldest of five children: Richard Dellaghelfa (deceased), Lorraine Critelli (Seeward/Edward) and twins Norma Sebastino (Johnny) and Norman Dellaghelfa. He was educated in the Adams Public Schools.

At 18 years old Al enlisted in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe. His military occupation specialty was Medical technician 409 and qualified for M1 Rifle, M 141. His decoration and citation was called Army of Occupation Medal-WW II Victory Medal. His duty was working in a medical aid station and on emergency cases administering first aid treatment and medicines. He was in the 42nd Division Medical Detachment Headquarters Special Troop.

At age 20 he married his beloved wife Gena (Di’Lorenzo) Dellaghelfa (deceased) on November 22, 1947. They had been married almost 69 years.

Al worked for New England Lime Company hauling lime and radio equipment and doing minor repair on vehicles. He was a driver for Decker’s Cleaners. His wife and he owned and operated Al’s Taxi in Adams. He drove and hauled oil and petroleum for Bowe oil Company. For over 25 years he delivered the Springfield Union to individual households in the areas of Pownal and Bennington, Vt. He owned and operated a bus that transported students to area schools. In the early 70’s he began Adams Trucking Company while working at Sprague Electric Company in North Adams as a shop leader. After retiring from Sprague he continued working with his son (and his family) in their family businesses- Adams Trucking Company Inc. and Adams excavating. 

Al has three children, Cathy Garcia (John), Susan Dellaghelfa and Alan Dellaghelfa (Elizabeth). He has five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He loved his family, was generous, and would help any way he could. He enjoyed driving, repairing vehicles and operating heavy machinery.

While in the Army he rode a motorcycle, and the thrill of riding continued throughout his life. He went on at least three long rides yearly – to Canada, Virginia and Florida. He traveled cross-country twice on his Harley. He was part of AA and a motor cycle club called W.O.R.M.S. Al and Gena rode traveling to many places in New England. Al rode until he was 83 years old. He and his wife also made trips to Italy with church groups. They were able to reestablish ties with relatives. He was a Life Member of the American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Al was a guy who did many jobs in life and valued positive work ethics. The family would like to thank the outstanding caregivers who made his life safe and comfortable and to the wonderful people at Hospice.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at 10 a.m. in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (online here). The Paciorek Funeral Home, Adams, is in charge of arrangements.