Alfred R. Jordan, 89, of Clearwater, Florida, passed into eternal life peacefully in his home on July 14, 2020.
“Al” was born to parents Marion Todd and Joseph Giordano on September 21, 1930 in Staten Island (Rosebank), NY. Born Alfred Robert Giordano, his name was legally changed to Alfred Robert Jordan. He was the youngest of four children.
He graduated from Curtis High School, Staten Island, NY and attended Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.
Al was a Marine infantryman in the Korean War, where he was wounded twice and awarded two Purple Hearts. After recovering at St. Alban’s Naval Hospital in New York for nearly two years, he was honorably discharged. He was an expert rifleman and was picked to serve as a marksmanship instructor. He embodied the Corps values of honor, courage and commitment his whole life.
He had a successful career as a Sales Representative for Bird and Son, Inc. home office in East Walpole, Mass.
After his retirement, he went to help his elderly mother Marion, in Clearwater, FL, where he settled for the rest of his life.
Al enjoyed fishing, playing pinochle, playing blackjack and slots at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tampa, Beau Rivage in Biloxi, and the Tropicana in Las Vegas.
He enjoyed family reunions on the Gulf of Mexico and looked forward to his annual glass of “bug juice”.
He looked forward every Fall to play on the shuffleboard team with his community and retired as the reigning champion of the community league.
He also loved gardening, often saying, “I enjoy watching things grow.” Over the years, Al had vegetable gardens, rose gardens and many other flowers in his garden.
Al was an excellent cook and was also known for his baking skills, especially his famous pineapple upside down cake! Hagen Daz rum raisin was his favorite ice cream.
He was a lifelong New York Mets fan. Son, Al, Jr. said that they had their good times with the Mets, but mostly complained about how bad they played! They went to Shea Stadium every year and recalled when box seats were only $3.50. At one game father and son were walking outside the stadium when the San Francisco Giants team bus pulled up. They stood in awe when Willie Mays got off the bus! Al was also a little league coach for his son’s team.
Al had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to sing, often breaking out into song! “If I Loved You” from “Carousel” was a favorite and he recently sung it on the 4th of July with his daughter, Faith, present. He had a beautiful voice and sang in his church choir as a child with his beloved sister, Rosaline.
Al’s family was everything to him. He was so proud to send all 3 of his children to college and see them graduate. He was equally proud of all his grandchildren. Dad/Grandpa Al never missed a family member’s birthday, anniversary, or special occasion; sending beautiful cards and gifts.
He will be sorely missed and remembered with great love and respect as he lives in his family’s heart forever!
Al is survived and remembered with great love by his daughter, Faith and husband Michael Libbe, sons Alfred Jordan Jr. and wife Annalisa and William Jordan and wife Lisa, as well as his four grandchildren Amy, Jon, Torey and Emily. He is also survived by brother, Frank and wife Emma, nieces Patricia, Marianne, Roz, Jenny and husband Scott, and nephew Anthony and wife Gretchen. He is predeceased by his beloved sister Rosaline, brother Pat and mother, Marion.
Military Funeral Service to be held at Bay Pines V.A. National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL, August 11, 2020 at 11am.
Al and I were the best of friends. Served with him at Camp Pendleton. His sense of humor kept us all going. I loved that guy. God bless you all.I just found out about his passing when I tried to contact him on the Marine Corp birthday.