Alpha Newman

Alpha (AI) Newman was born on July 17, 1954 in Syracuse, New York. His parents were Mr. James Cassel Newman and Mrs. Edna Williams Newman. Following the family's departure from Syracuse, Al lived in the Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plains, and Roslindale sections of Boston, Massachusetts. He attended the Boston public schools and graduated from the Boston Technical High School. He furthered his education in the local colleges of the area and at Brandeis University. Until disability and sickness prevented Al from working, he was a popular and productive member of the staff of the Filene's Department Store. Although a long-time resident of Boston, Al remained an active supporter of his family's home church---the Zion Hill Baptist Church in Aiken, South Carolina. On the evening of January 16, 2010, Al heeded the call of the Lord and made his transition from Labor to Reward at the St. Joseph's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Alex Edward Williams, his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Smart Williams, and his beloved pet "Dusty." Al's love, generosity and memory will be cherished by a host of family members and neighbors. He is survived by his uncles: Reverend Alex E. (Betty) Williams and Elijah Newman of Aiken, South Carolina and Artie Bennett, Sr. of Syracuse, New York; his aunts: Lena Plush, Ethel Williams, and Lula McKinney of Aiken, South Carolina; and by numerous cousins, other relatives,and friends.