After a brief battle with lung cancer, Alfred Caisse, age 89, took leave of his body, Friday September 20th, 2024, to join those who preceded him in the afterlife. No doubt, his beloved daughter Victoria and wife Kay, sister Lorraine and her husband Bernie Fernandez and dogs Snowball 1 and Snowball 2 were there to greet him on his journey.
Alfred "Al" Caisse, was born and raised in Port Chester, New York to the late Alfred and Antoinette Caisse. According to family lore and his own personal accounts, young Al was the prankster, aka, "stinker" of the family. His appetite for fun and adventure landed him in hot water on numerous occasions and into the dog house for the night, quite literally. It was this spirit of adventure that inspired him to enlist in the Marine Corp and elope with his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice shortly after graduating high school.
While initially enlisting into the Marines, Al transferred to the Navy where he spent the next 30 years in service of our country. Al took advantage of the many educational opportunities the military had to offer. During his time in the Navy he became a certified medic, X-ray technician, instructor, sanitation, and infectious disease specialist. The Navy stationed him and his young family which included wife, Mary Alice and daughter Victoria in many locations including Japan, Trinidad, Washington DC and California. It was during his final years of service, he was called to serve two tours in Vietnam. Al deeply loved his country and was very proud of his service in the Navy.
After retiring as Senior Chief from the Navy, Al enjoyed a long and successful career with Gerber Baby Foods, overseeing sanitation and quality control. In order to be closer to his family, retirement 2.0 from Gerber's, brought him to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he lived until the end of his life. It was during a chance trip to the VA Hospital in Albuquerque where he crossed paths with the lovely Linda Kay who would become his loving wife and life partner.
Al's time in Vietnam left an indelible mark upon his life as it would any person who has experienced war up close. He faced and overcame many obstacles resulting from his time in Vietnam but grappled with PTSD throughout his life. In spite of those difficulties, he lived a life filled with love, happiness and service to others. He was a great story teller and often laughed so hard while telling his own stories, he had a hard time finishing them. A skilled handyman, he was always happy to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He was able to put his handyman skills to good use as a volunteer at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. In his younger years, Al was a skilled dancer and could "cut the rug" with the best of them. Al and Kay loved nothing better than spending time with their two grandchildren, Lane and Lene Wright. His happy place was Hawaii and he traveled there as often as possible. Al was also a generous supporter of many charitable organizations. While he frequently complained about 30+ donation solicitations he received in the mail every day, it was a testament to his giving heart. Over the years, he sponsored many children overseas so they may have a better chance at life. He truly was a man who walked the walk.
Left with fond memories are his niece Elena Fernandez, nephew and wife, Mark and Judee Fernandez, step-daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Rich Wright, grandson, Lane Wright, granddaughter and husband, Lene Wright and Brian Griffith and great-grandson Lincoln Griffith, great-niece and husband, Noelle and Victor Armijo and great-nephew, Barret Vermilion.
Funeral services will be held October 16, 2024 at Daniels Family Funerals and Cremation - Wyoming Chapel, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, ABQ NM 87109, at 10:30 AM and burial services will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Tunnel to Towers Foundation or your favorite animal welfare organization.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
10:30 - 11:30 am (Mountain time)
Daniels Family Funeral Services - Wyoming Chapel
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
2:00 - 2:00 pm (Mountain time)
Santa Fe National Cemetery
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