Elizabeth M. Alfano of Calverton died on Nov. 28, 2022. She was 85 years old.
She was born on April 6, 1937 in Manhattan to Ida (Juchler) and Carl J. Gessman.
She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society and Baptismal Ministry at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Deer Park for 50 years. Elizabeth she was a volunteer at many organizations including her church, local civic association, community polling place and the Long Island Senior Games. She also worked as a tour guide for Long Island Tours for five years.
Her hobbies included walking on the beach collecting shells and sea glass, nature, birdwatching, boating, reading, music, and attending concerts, dances, Broadway theater, traveling with her husband and fulfilled her dream trip to Switzerland and Germany, hosting family gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren.
She predeceased by her husband Andrew E. She is survived by her children Cathy Dries (Wayne) of Laurel and James of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, grandchildren Amy Dries, Kelly and James Jr. and brother Carl M. Gessman (Donna) of Cortlandt Manor.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and mail to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Attn: Elizabeth A Morton Wildlife Refuge, 340 Smith Road, Shirley, NY 11967. Include a note that your donation is in memory of Elizabeth Alfano, as it will be used to fund a project at one of her favorite places to feed the birds and walk to the beach.
