Alfred Lawrence Alsdorf

Alfred Lawrence “Al” Alsdorf, born in 1943 in Kingston, New York, lived a life defined by service, craftsmanship, curiosity, a love of music and deep care for his friends and family.

Al spent his early years in New Paltz, where his childhood was shaped by hard work, camping, and a great deal of squirrel hunting. He said of his childhood he was always cold and never seemed to have enough socks or mittens—an experience that stayed with him and quietly informed the rest of his life. Those who knew Al know he dedicated himself to making sure that the people in his orbit always had what they needed.

After graduating from New Paltz High School where he participated in golf and the rifle team, Al joined the United States Air Force, serving honorably. His time in the Air Force took him to Germany, where he repaired radio towers, made lifelong friends, learned to ski, bought a candy apple red Porsche and worked in the motor pool on base where he developed the automobile maintenance skills that would serve him for the next six decades.

Upon returning to New Paltz, Al began a distinguished 25-year career at IBM developing software. This was followed by another twelve years at Lockheed Martin. His work ethic, problem-solving skills, and competence were valued by all. In addition to his work, during this time Al participated in the community. He particularly enjoyed making wooden signs for the Hudson Valley Rails to Trails project and singing with the Hudson Valley Choral Ensemble.

In 1992, Al and his family relocated to Harper’s Ferry, WV where Al and his wife Allison took on the title of Innkeepers. Their bed and breakfast, the Harpers Ferry Guesthouse was a labor of love. For 25 years, they hosted and entertained guests from around the world including many people through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Al continued his civic involvement in Harpers Ferry serving on the town counsel, becoming a member of Virginia Lodge #1 of the Oddfellows, and helping the community wherever he could.

To those who knew him, Al was truly a renaissance man. He was a master woodworker, electrician, plumber, and organic farmer. Long before sustainability became fashionable, Al lived a life of conservation— trekking to recycling centers, composting, and using rain barrels. Among his many hobbies, he made maple syrup and maple candy in his backyard gifting it to friends and family.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Myrtle Alsdorf, and his brother, Charles “Skip” Alsdorf II.

He is survived by his sister Roberta Shaw, his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Allison “Argero” Alsdorf; his three daughters—Amanda Wodzenski (Scott), Emily Alsdorf, and Georgiene “Gina” Alsdorf—all of whom, thanks to his constant encouragement and admonitions to value education, earned advanced degrees. He is also survived by eleven fabulous grandchildren: Hunter, Zayne, Brooks, Madison, Mary, Dominick, Spyros, Jack, Casey, Ben, and Eli.

Al’s legacy will live on in the skills he passed down to his children, the values he modeled, the generosity he practiced daily, and the deep love he held for his family. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends and will be remembered for his sense of humor and willingness to help anyone in need. A celebration of life is planned for later this year.

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