Alfred R. Straitiff

Alfred R. Straitiff, 71, of Jaffrey, NH, died on Friday, February 19 at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Jaffrey after a brave fight with lymphoma. He passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife and children.

Alfred was born in Pepperell, Massachusetts in 1944. He was the tenth of eleven children born to Doris A. (Blood) and Wm. Arthur Straitiff. Al was in the first class to graduate from North Middlesex Regional High School in 1962. After graduation, he worked for the Insco Corporation in Groton, Massachusetts where he became a master machinist. Eventually, he went on to open his own machine shop.

In 1965, Alfred married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Emslie of Groton. They purchased their first home in Townsend and raised their two children there.

Alfred was an avid sportsman from an early age. He enjoyed hunting and shooting. He owned Al’s Gun Shop in Townsend and was a talented gunsmith. Over the years, he belonged to many rod and gun clubs. Most recently, Alfred belonged to the Monadnock Rod and Gun Club in Jaffrey, NH, where he served as an officer.

Alfred is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy; his daughter Wendy Orazio and her husband Allen of Pepperell; his son Richard and his wife Marie of Jaffrey; and his two grandchildren Elora Orazio of Urbana, IL and Anthony Orazio of Pepperell. He is survived by his siblings: William Arthur Straitiff of Warren, Ohio, Ralph and Peggy (Lawrence) Straitiff of Pepperell, Sara Brooks of Jacksonville, FL, Florence Wilbert of New Llano, LA, Ida Straitiff of Riverside, CA, Doris Barlow of Stanton, CA and sister-in-law Helen Straitiff of Jaffrey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Alfred was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ruth Ham of Shapleigh, ME, and his brothers Charles of Pepperell, John of Jaffrey, and Paul of Pepperell.

There will be no calling hours. A private celebration of life will be held at the Monadnock Rod and Gun Club in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alfred’s name to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.