Alfred F Vigeant

Alfred F. Vigeant, 83, of North Grafton, formerly of Cutler Street in Worcester, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2011 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. His wife and soul-mate of sixty-two years, Helen C. (Manganello) Vigeant, predeceased him in February 2010; their daughter, Loreen J. Manzaro, predeceased them in 1996. Alfred is survived by a daughter, Joyce D. Vigeant-San and her husband Vuth San, with whom he lived; a son-in-law, John Manzaro of Sutton, MA; a grandson, Nicholas Manzaro and a great granddaughter, Valarie Loreen Manzaro both of Wenatchee, Washington; two sisters, Aline Kurbs of Seabrook, New Hampshire and Frances Johnson of Gilbertville, MA; many nieces, nephews and extended family. As well as his wife and daughter, he was predeceased by his brother, Francis Vigeant and two sisters, Grace Renaud and Theresa Walker. Alfred was born in Worcester, son of Francois T. and Gertrude (Sperber) Vigeant and had lived in Worcester for most of his life. Alfred attended Worcester Boy's Trade School and at the age of seventeen, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father (still serving at the time) and older brother, and with his mother's permission he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served his nation proudly, during World War II, as a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Vesole, a Gearing-class destroyer. He was stationed in the Asia-Pacific Theatre. Mr. Vigeant retired from Commonwealth Gas Company (NSTAR), after over thirty years of dedicated service. He was a member of Saint Stephen's Church in Worcester, and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus. Alfred was a forthright person who stood up for what he believed. He was also a loving person, who found life's greatest joy was the gift of his loving wife and family. After early retirement, he and his spouse enjoyed travelling with friends and family, especially to "their paradise" Hawaii. He was an avid gardener and nurtured his flowers, shrubs, fruit trees and vegetables with great care. He also nurtured his relationships with people. He was a wonderful listener and role model, had a great sense of humor and changed people's lives with his wisdom, kindness and support. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, June 24, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Saint Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to VNA Care Network-Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.