Alfred V. Altomari, 87, of Lorain, died Saturday November 18, 2006 at New Life Hospice Center of St. Joseph in Lorain after a short illness. He was born June 4, 1919 in Monessen, Pennsylvania and had resided in Lorain most of his life.

Al served in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a radioman after which he enlisted in the US Naval Communications reserve. In early 1941 he was called to active duty and served at various Naval bases. He was assigned to Air Group on board the U.S.S. Bennington aircraft carrier in the Pacific area until the end of the war. He was discharged with the rank of Aviation Chief radioman and was awarded the American Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal.

Al worked at US Steel in Lorain as an assistant general foreman for 35 years retiring in 1976.

He was a member of the Catholic Church of St. Peter in Lorain, the Italian-American Veterans Post #1 in Lorain, the VFW Post #451 of Lorain and the Amateur Radio Association. Al was involved with the Lorain County Muscular Dystrophy Association and served as secretary and president.

He was active in Amateur radio with the call sign of W8QWI which he earned in 1937. He talked to amateurs in every country in the world earning many certificates and awards. He also was a volunteer examiner with the FCC overseeing examinations for different classes of Amateur radio licenses. He was a member of NOARS and the Northern Ohio DX association and was the interim president of the DX Club. He also instructed classes in Amateur radio theory and code at the Lorain High School night sessions and at the former Tuberculosis clinic that resulted in many new licensees.

Al enjoyed bowling and bowled in several leagues throughout the area. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed fishing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Stella N. (nee Astorino), daughters: Nancy Altomari of Avon and Ginny Altomari of Elyria, son Frank Altomari of Lorain, 6 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, sisters Marie Altomari of Monessen, Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Lee Codispoti of Detroit, Michigan and brother Eugene Altomari of Monessen, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his son Ralph Altomari in 1974, parents Raffele and Angelina Altomari (nee Caruso), sister Adeline Altomari and brothers James Altomari, Ernest Altomari, Angelo Altomari, Joseph Altomari and Frank Altomari.