Obituary of Alfred Cyr

Dedham - Alfred “Joe” Cyr passed peacefully at his home in Dedham November 22^nd with his family by his side. He was born November 19^th, 1935 in Pawtucket Rhode Island to Alfred and Bertha Cyr.

Alfred grew up in Dedham, attending The Dedham Elementary School and graduating Brewer High School in 1953. He then served in the Navy as an ordnance man on aircraft carriers, a role he often spoke proudly of.

Upon return from service, he met the love of his life, Maria, on a blind date. They married in 1960 and by 1965 had 6 children together, a fact he often highlighted…although a set of twins did help with that timeline. Their 63-year marriage ended with her passing in 2023.

His spent his career at the Paper Mill in Bucksport, with the majority of his time there as a millwright/machinist; a role he greatly enjoyed and excelled at.  He retired in 1997 with a new house and machine shop where he spent much of his time. He truly loved welding, machining, and repairing anything mechanical. He greatly enjoyed visits from friends who would stop by the shop and share a beer and conversation. The conversations were generally one-sided however, as he was a man of very few words……but a good listener.

In addition to maintaining an avid gym membership, he could often be found cutting wood to heat his home and did this proudly for many years. The resulting muscle aches were then soothed by wood-fired steam saunas which were a staple of those of 0Finnish descent.  He also could not resist a good deal, which explained his weekend ritual of attending yard sales with his best friend Jack Brochu, to find that rare piece of shop equipment.

Alfred was pre-deceased by his parents, loving wife Maria, and brother Richard.  He is survived by his children Lori Norsworthy, Rick (Cathi) Cyr, Wanda (Ralph) Vitti, Tony (Tracey) Cyr, Mary Lynn Slyne, and Lisa Cyr.  Grandchildren Amy (Jeremy) Edwards, Timothy Norsworthy, Kelly (Brandon) Shores, Ralph (Mia) Vitti, Joseph Vitti, Frank Vitti, Devon (Sami) Cyr, Dylan Cyr, Jaclyn Cyr (Ben), Thomas Slyne, Owen Slyne.

 Great grandchildren Patrick Shaw (Meagan), Nathan Edwards, Maria Edwards, Zander Shores, Parker Shores, Dax Cyr, Kenna Cyr, Jameson Jenkins.  Great-great grandchild Elliana Shaw.  Also survived by his siblings Robert Cyr, Ida (Bob) Martin, Walter (Jeanette) Cyr, Katherine Lawson, sister-in-law Sheila Cyr.  Many, many nieces and nephews.

A very special thanks to the Veteran’s Administration and St. Joseph Hospice for their care and kindness.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph Hospice, the VA, or a Veterans’ organization of their choice.

A celebration of life will be held this spring.