Albert Leo Begin died unexpectedly at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Fall River, MA at the age of 77.
Al is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diane Begin; his daughter, Charlene Murray; his granddaughter, Alexia Murray; his sisters, Annette Begin, Claire Berntson, and Marie Twohey’ and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Romeo Begin and Bella (Bolduc) Begin; and his sisters, Lucille Mendonca, Julie Hanley, Pauline Barca, Belle Gardner, and Constance D’Ambra.
Al was born on November 8, 1946, to Albert R. Begin and Bella J. Begin and raised in Central Falls, RI. He graduated from Central Falls High School in 1965. Shortly afterward, he entered the U. S. Navy and became a petty officer second class, serving as the navigator’s yeoman on the aircraft carrier the USS Independence. During his last year of service, he was stationed with squadron VAW 124 at the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA. In 1972, he returned home and attended Rhode Island Junior College, where he earned an Associate’s Degree. He married Diane Blade on April 19, 1975. They settled down in Central Falls to raise their daughter who arrived in 1977, and in May 2000, they moved to Seekonk, MA.
Al worked for the vending machine company, Rowe Automatic Sales, Inc. in Lincoln, RI for 25 years. He then was the head custodian for four years at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Academy in Central Falls. An aggravated knee injury from his time in the military and other health problems forced him to retire in 2000.
His family remember him as a loving husband, encouraging father, and generous grandfather, who always wanted the best for them. He was passionate about cars, repairing large and small engines, cooking and trying new recipes, and playing his guitar, harmonica, and occasionally the keyboard. Also, he enjoyed any chance to be by the ocean. For many years, he was an active and devout member of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Central Falls, where he served as a CCD teacher for 7th-8th graders and a Eucharistic Minister for shut-ins. In addition, he joined the Knights of Columbus, where he became a knight of the third degree. His faith and spirituality were very important to him, and he embraced the opportunity to connect with the various people who crossed his path.
The funeral is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024, at First Christian Congregational Church in Swansea, MA. Pastor Bob Nolan will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Al’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: helpkids@hope.boystown.org. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Rhode Island Hospital, Evergreen House Health Center, Clifton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Charlton Memorial Hospital for their efforts and care.
