1923 - 2026
Born December 17, 1923, Alfred grew up during the Great Depression alongside eight siblings. Even as a boy, he showed remarkable skill and determination. He could lite a match with a bullet aimed through his rifle, at a distance of over 50 feet.
At 17, Alfred was drafted into the U.S. Army but was rejected for being too young. A year later, at 18, he reported again. When asked by an Army officer if he liked guns, he answered plainly, “Yes, I like guns.” That simple response set the course of his life.
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 and, with help from his brother John, built his own home, workshop, and garage. A gifted welder and mechanic, he established a business fabricating wrought iron railings and became widely respected for his craftsmanship and tireless work ethic. His garage became a hub of activity, and over time he expanded into restoring, collecting, and selling antique automobiles and parts. Long before it became popular, Alfred was a familiar face at flea markets and swap meets, always recognizing value where others did not.
In the mid-1970s, Alfred hand-built a new home in Upton. Together with his brother Robert, he salvaged materials from a torn-down Worcester Rail Road Station to create a distinctive garage and showroom — a testament to his ingenuity and vision.
Later in life, Alfred was blessed to share his days with his special companion, Michelle Jones, whose care and affection brought warmth and beauty to his life. Surrounded by flowers and plants, he continued working with his hands — sandblasting, welding, and tackling countless projects.
In recent years, Alfred became a 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 cherished his cat, Fluffy, repaired watches that he gladly 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 his nephew Paul Consigli and Paul’s wife Angela, who were his devoted caregivers and steadfast supporters, along with nephews and nieces: Alan, Susan, David, Thomas, William, John, Janet, Marc, Gary, and Daniel Consigli; numerous Speroni cousins; and many dear friends, including Jeffrey Kennan and Gary Pizzillo.
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 follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne Ma. Calling Hours will be held Monday March 2, 2026 from 4 to 7 P.M.
