Grafton – It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear Dad, Alfred James “Cooney” Cardin, on Oct. 6, 2018. He was at home surrounded by his loving family. He personified a Christian man who served his family, friends and community his entire life. He will be deeply missed.
Alfred was born June 21, 1923, one of eight children born to Margaret and Alfred Cardin. Cooney married the love of his life, Marie Rita Richard, who passed away in 2011. They were married for 67 years and were truly a love story.
Alfred leaves four devoted children, Susan with whom he lived, Thomas and his wife Heather, Bob and his wife Patty, and Mary Ann Martin and her husband Steve. He also leaves nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Holly, Pete, Eli, Gretel and May, Hannah, Meghan, Erik, Aaron Alfred, Violet Marie and Bella Rose, Brooke, Laura and Orie, Harris, Rye Marie and Shea, Katelyn and Lauren, Justin and Deanna, Jason and Nicole, and Taylor and Kourtney. He is survived by a brother, Albert Cardin, his relatives, and his many nieces and nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Francis, Walter and Robert, and sisters, Mable, Doris and Evelyn.
Alfred served as an altar boy at St. James Church in South Grafton and was a member of the Parish for most of his life. He went on to graduate from St. John’s High School in 1941 and attended Worcester Junior College. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 to serve his country as a Radio Technician on a destroyer and tanker in the North Atlantic for three years. During his time in the service, he received the American Ribbon, a World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon & Point System.
When he returned home, he worked as the Personnel Manager at the Wuskanut Mills in South Grafton. He also worked at the Ames Worsted Company in Southbridge until it closed. Alfred was one of the founders of Westwood Textile Mills in Southbridge and became the Treasurer and Director for 29 years. He retired at 59 years old.
After moving to Westborough, he was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Westborough and then St. Mary’s Parish in North Grafton.
In his younger years, Alfred loved and played baseball in the Old Blackstone Valley League. He was very involved with St. James Parish, coaching the basketball team, the Prayer Group and St. Vincent de Paul Society. In his later years, he enjoyed playing golf and tennis.
Cooney will be remembered for his faith, love and devotion to family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Haiti Mission of Rev. John Henault O.M.I. Haiti Mission, 29 Blackstone St., Sutton, MA 01590.
Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 4-7 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m., at St. James Church, 89 Main St., South Grafton. All attending the funeral Mass are requested to go directly to church. He will then be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery.
A Book of Memories to share a memory of Cooney is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
