Leo Francis McAlice, Jr.

Leo Francis McAlice Jr., age 94, passed away on August 19, 2024, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Central Falls, Rhode Island on January 15, 1930, he was the son of Leo F. and Edith M. (Nichols) McAlice. Leo was raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and graduated from Saint Raphael Academy with the class of 1948. After graduation, Leo began working as a parts specialist at Thorpe Automotive in Pawtucket.

In April of 1951, Leo proudly joined the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean War. In Korea, Leo worked in a vehicle maintenance battalion, repairing damaged tanks and heavy equipment on the front lines. He was honorably discharged in April of 1953, having earned three bronze service stars and the rank of Corporal.

Upon his return home stateside, Leo resumed work at Thorpe Automotive and shortly thereafter met his first wife through mutual friends. Leo and Barbara A. (Cooper) were happily wed on July 4th, 1954. The couple made their married home in Lincoln, Rhode Island and began to raise a family.

The young family moved to Plainville, Massachusetts in 1956 where Leo became involved with the local Sportsmen's Club, making friends while perfecting his aim. The following year Leo accepted a position with the New England Telephone Company as a toll test technician and worked to install and maintain toll telephone and telegraph circuits within buildings. He would remain a loyal and hard-working employee through the company's many different iterations until his retirement in 1992.

In 1960, to accommodate their growing family, Leo and Barbara moved to North Attleborough, Massachusetts. Leo worked hard to support his family but found time to relax with informative books on military history when he had the chance. He was an avid history buff, especially on the topics of WWI and WWII, and gladly shared his passion with his friends and family. 

Leo suffered a tragic loss in 1980, with the unexpected passing of his beloved wife Barbara. He remained steadfast and strong for his children, while keeping a positive outlook for the future.

In 1981, Leo was introduced by a close family friend to Gertrude M. (Doane) MacDonald, a young widow herself. The pair recognized friendship in each other immediately which helped ignite the spark for a beautiful romance. On December 31, 1981, New Year’s Eve, Leo and Gert were married in front of their families and friends at Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole, Massachusetts.

Leo and Gert made their married home in Walpole. The pair spent many afternoons together on the greens, as both Leo and Gert were avid golfers. They also enjoyed traveling together, sometimes for a weekend away in Newport, Rhode Island and even traversing half a world away to Australia and New Zealand to follow the America's Cup Races. Gert was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Church and Leo joined her there, celebrating his faith. He had a beautiful voice that he shared with the congregation as a member of the Sunday Choir and Funeral Choir.

Leo loved spending time with his family. The blending of his and Gert's family was a blessing to Leo, and he was thrilled to have such a large group with whom to share his love. The “grampy handshake” was a special connection to each generation. He looked forward to hosting many cookouts in his backyard, enjoying a highball, a little somethin’ somethin’, in a gazebo that his children would construct for him yearly. He lovingly nicknamed it "Paradise". Family beach days were always something Leo enjoyed, he and Gert loved their timeshare weeks on the Cape. He always had his beach kit prepared to go; crossword puzzles, red pencil, binoculars, and his rugged umbrella. 

Leo and Gert stayed in Walpole and moved to New Pond Village in their later years. Leo lost his beloved Gert in 2022. His smile was contagious, he was a friend to everyone he met. Leo will be greatly missed by family and friends alike, we will always carry him in our hearts.

Beloved husband of the late Gertrude M. (Doane) McAlice and the late Barbara A. (Cooper) McAlice.

Loving father of Robert McAlice, and his wife Sara, of Bennett, Colorado, John McAlice, and his longtime partner Becky Rego, of Rumford, RI, Jill McAlice, and her husband John Graber, of Cedaredge, Colorado, David McAlice, and his wife Debra, of North Attleborough, Judith Holubesko, and her husband Steven, of Plainville, Steven MacDonald, and his wife Denise, of Foxborough, Thomas MacDonald, and his wife Susan Mosher, of Wellesley, Elizabeth Kelly, and her late husband Richard, of Marshfield, Richard MacDonald, and his wife Samantha, of Camano Island, Washington, and the late Peter MacDonald, and his late wife Kara.

Cherished grandfather of Brenda McAlice; Leah (Ben) Burkett; Amy (Joseph) Vassalotti; Andrea McAlice; Alexandra McAlice; Carra (Kevin) Blais: Melissa (Jason) Machado; Scott Holubesko; Michael (Emily) Holubesko; Matthew (Kimberly) Holubesko: Tracy Cann; Carrie Rines Parkinson; Joseph (Stacey) MacDonald; Samuel (Christine) MacDonald; Richard (Julia) Kelly; Arbrenne (Tim) Valle; Maggie MacDonald; Kate MacDonald; Ben MacDonald; Maya MacDonald; Ellie MacDonald, and the late Megan MacDonald Chamberlain. Adored great grampy to 29 great grandchildren,

Brother of the Arthur McAlice of Manteca, California, the late Charles McAlice, Brother Richard McAlice, FSC, Henry McAlice, Ruth McAlice, Frances McAlice, and Sr. Edith McAlice, SSJ.

Also survived by many extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Leo's visitation on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, at 10:30 AM. Interment will occur privately at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leo's name may be made to Bethany Health Center Attn: Advancement Department, 97 Bethany Road, Framingham, MA 01702 or by visiting https://www.bethanyhealthcare.org/donate/ or to the LaSalle School Foundation Attn: Development Department, 391 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203 or by visiting https://lasalle-school.org/giving/ways-to-help/