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Gasper Ralph Altomare, retired Naval officer who had received local and national recognition for his patriotism and contributions to this country that he loved as passionately as he loved his family, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2007, at the age of 85, at the Veteran's Hospital in Albuquerque. At his side was his beloved Josephine, his wife and partner of 63 years. Al Altomare, as many in the community knew him, loved the military, his country and the flag and was a frequent figure at patriotic and military ceremonies. He was well known for his Toast to the Flag given at numerous events over the years and his ability to "pipe you aboard." He was often requested at military functions to do just that, having done it for admirals and dignitaries all over the world. Al Altomare never really left the military after retirement he led the campaign for the restoration of the USS Constitution. He was given the DAR Medal of Honor by the Daughters of the American Revolution for his efforts. Born in Springfield, MA, of immigrant Italian parents, Gasper was one of eleven children (six of whom served together in WWII). He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17, weighing in at a scant 127 lbs at 5' 10". He started as a signalman that was to become the first of many positions held by him before he retired in 1970 as Chief Warrant Officer 4 after 31 years of service in the Navy. CWO4 Altomare's career spanned four wars-- WWII, the Arab-Israeli War, the Korean War and Viet Nam. His many duty assignments included quartermaster, senior instructor, photo intelligence. He was ship's boatswain on the USS Oriskany, and instructor of Naval Science at Purdue and the Naval Weapons Facility, Sandia. Over and over again he was cited for his outstanding contributions, always going over and beyond what was expected. He was particularly proud of the recognition he received for inventing an aircraft carrier fighter plane tow system that kept planes from rolling off the ship during rough seas in 1962 as well as a refueling system for Navy Fighters as a part of the Sea Bees, Navy Engineer Corps in San Diego. Al's gusto for life and giving wouldn't let him sit back after retiring from the Navy. He became active in numerous community organizations: the Shriners, Legion of Honor, The Elk's Lodge, the Club Culturale Italiano and served as Commander of the Military Order of World Wars. As a member of the Elks' Lodge he was part of the Clown Unit and delighted in spending hours in hospitals and senior citizen homes making people, especially children, laugh. From clowning to magic to singing, he loved it all. Retirement allowed Al and Josephine to take their motor home on the road and spend time in Palm Desert, CA. He loved working as a marshal for the golf tournaments. He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine; four children, Joan Camana and husband, Peter of San Diego, CA, Sondra LeGrand and husband, Roger of La Crosse, WI, Ralph Altomare and wife, Debbie of Seattle, WA and Michael Altomare of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren, Eric, Joseph, Julia, Erica, Jacob, Jessica, Taylor, David and Neil; and two great-grandchildren, Mia Elena and Gianna Josephine. Mass will be celebrated Friday, August 17, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1818 Coal Pl SE. Graveside Services will be held Friday, August 17, 2007, 2:30 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Friends may visit French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, Thursday, August 16, 2007, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial Park C/O Albuquerque Parks and Recreations PO Box 21037, Albuquerque, NM 87125. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
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