Alfred R. BELAIR

TILTON -- Alfred R. Belair, 81, of 9 Academy St. in Tilton died Thursday, March 24, 2005 at his home, surrounded by his family following a long illness. He was born in Northfield, April 10, 1923 son of Victor J. and Ida M. (Graveson) Belair. Alfred had been a lifetime resident of Tilton and attended Tilton School. He and his brother James opened, owned and operated the former Belair’s Market in downtown Tilton during the 1960s. He later was employed with the Franklin Wholesale Meat Company as a salesman and meat cutter. Prior to his retirement, Alfred worked in the maintenance department at Tilton School. He enjoyed flying, often piloting his plane out of the former Franklin Airfield to destinations across the northeast, often with his great friend and brother in law, Earl Chandler of Franklin. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren: Dawn and Garrett Belair and Alyssa and Matthew Garcia. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting.He served in the U. S. Army Air Corp, 526th Fighter Squadron during World War II, earning the rank of staff sergeant. He was a qualified gunner but his military occupational specialty was as a radio operator and radio mechanic. Often he had to make his own equipment. His battles and campaigns were fought in Africa, Italy, Corsica, France and Germany. He was the recipient of several, medals, ribbons and badges. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945. He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Tilton.His family includes his wife of 54 years, Helen M. (Turchin) Belair of Tilton; his daughter, Patricia A. Garcia of Tilton; his two sons, Dennis A. Belair and his wife Laurice Northfielc and Robert E. Belair of Tilton; his grandchildren, Dawn and Garrett Belair and Alyssa and Matthew Garcia; his sister, Pauline Robichaud of Tilton; his brother, Paul Belair of Louisa, Va.; and nieces and nephews.Calling hours will be Sunday from 4-6 p.n. at the William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home on Franklin-Tilton Road in Tilton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Tilton. Spring burial will be in St. John Cemetery in Tilton.The William F. Smart Sr. Memorial Home of Tilton is assisting the family with arrangement.Expressions of Sympathy may be made to Community Health and Hospice, 780 North Main St., Laconia, N.H. 03246. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.