Alfred P. Consigli, 102, of Upton, passed away after a long and remarkable life at the Blaire House of Milford. He was predeceased by his wife: Nora Skelly Consigli, his parents: Ceasar & Clara (Ciarina Speroni) Consigli, and his brothers: Mario, Joseph, Louis, George, John, Richard, (Emilio) Robert, and Albert. Born December 17,1923, Alfred grew up during the Great Depression with eight siblings. For fun, he found ways to purchase bullets for target practice. He could lite a match with a bullet aimed through his rifle, at a distance of over 50 feet.
At the age of 17, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and ordered to report for duty. He was too young, and so nervous during the exam, that he was rejected and sent home. A year later, at age 18, he was again ordered to report for duty. When asked by the Army Officer if he liked guns, Alfred answered simply, “Yes, I like guns.” That honest reply set the course for his future. He went on to excel in training at Fort Ross, Kentucky, earning the ranks of Sharpshooter, Expert Gunner and Corporal. He served as a turret gunner in ‘The 774th Black Cat Tank Battalion,’ assigned to tank #6, fittingly named ‘Blood and Guts,’ under General George Patton’s command. Landing on Utah Beach, a short time after the D-Day Invasion, he fought continuously across France, Belgium & Germany. Always on the front lines, he endured fierce combat and earned 5 Battle Stars for the 5 major World War II battles in which he served.
After the war, Alfred returned to Milford, where with help from his brother, John - he built his own home, workshop, and garage. A gifted welder & mechanic, he established a business fabricating wrought iron railings and became known for his craftsmanship and work ethic. His garage was always the center of activity, and over time, his interests expanded into restoring, collecting and selling antique automobiles and parts. Long before it was fashionable, Alfred could be found at flea markets and swap meets, always knowing the value of what passed through his hands. In the mid 1970’s, Alfred hand-built a new home in Upton. Together with his brother Robert, he reclaimed materials from a torn-down Worcester Rail Road Station, to construct a distinctive garage and showroom. Though plans for a car or motorcycle dealership never materialized, the space reflected Alfred’s creativity and resourcefulness.
Later in life, Alfred was fortunate to share his days with his special companion, Michelle Jones, whose care and love, brought warmth and beauty to his life. Flowers, and plants surrounded the property. Alfred continued to fill his time sandblasting, welding, and with countless projects, always working with his hands. In recent times, Alfred became a familiar and respected presence at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson Massachusetts. He proudly shared photographs of his tank crew and the European front lines, speaking to audiences of hundreds with wit, honesty and unforgettable wartime stories. At home, he loved his cat Fluffy, and repaired watches that he happily gave away, and remained a regular at the Grafton Flea Market and local cruise nights. Wherever he went, people thanked him for his service, and he accepted their gratitude with quiet grace
Alfred is survived by nephew Paul Consigli & Paul’s wife Angela, who were his devoted caregivers and long-time supporters, as well as, nephews & nieces: Alan, Susan, David, Thomas, William, John, Janet, Marc, Gary & Daniel Consigli, along with the numerous Speroni cousins, plus the many good friends, including Jeffrey Kennan and Gary Pizzillo, that helped and surrounded him. Alfred P. Consigli lived life on his own terms-with skill, courage, humor, and generosity, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
A funeral home service will be celebrated Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 10 A.M. at the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St. Milford. His burial will be private at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne Ma. Calling Hours will be held Monday March 2, 2026 from 4 to 7 P.M.