Caleb G. Alcott Passes
Caleb G. Alcott (Alcock), 92, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2017, in the care of a loving family. Caleb was a 44-year resident of Foxboro. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late George Alcock and the late Emmy (Lilius) Alcock.
He grew up in West Springfield and attended West Springfield Public Schools. During his youth he enjoyed trips to the beach, swimming in the quarry, playing bugle in the Sons of the American Legion West Springfield drum and bugle corps, fishing, West Springfield High School basketball, and participation in the Mason’s Boy’s DeMolay.
He was a motor machinist 3C in the U.S. Navy during World War II, from 1943-46. He attended the N.E. School of Art in Boston and graduated in 1948 with a degree in advertising design. He was a lithographer by trade and belonged to the Graphic Communications Union. He worked for many printing companies throughout his career in Boston and Providence.
Early in his career, he was employed at Rustcraft Greeting Cards where he met his late wife, Esther. Together they enjoyed a marriage of nearly 59 years and were remembered together for their hospitality and kind friendship toward many. He retired at age 62, from lithography, from Mowbray Co. in Providence.
Never one to sit still, he then worked as a short-order cook, a doorman at the Guild Building in Norwood and as a greeter at Walmart in Walpole, until age 82.
Caleb was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Foxboro. His favorite memories from those years were the friendships cultivated through the men’s fellowship and their camping trips to Mount Washington and Mount Monadnock. He also attended the Walpole Assembly of God, Trinity Community Church of Norwood, and The Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Foxboro.
He maintained his lifelong affiliation with the Mason’s through the Joseph Warren Soley Lodge.
Caleb was known for his sense of humor, elaborate pranks and kindness to everyone. Youthful at heart, he especially enjoyed being surrounded by young people. He had a unique ability to draw people out. He made friends anywhere and everywhere with almost anyone instantly. His favorite pastimes were oil painting, writing poetry, telling jokes and sharing colorful stories.
He is survived by his two daughters and son’s in law; Lisa and Mark Burgess of Norton and Dawn Alcott-Miller and Stephen Miller of Bellingham. He also leaves four loving grandchildren: Benjamin Boulanger of Walpole, James Boulanger of Norton, Dakota Burgess of Norton, and Hope Miller of Bellingham and many nieces and nephews. He is the brother of the late Eila Clark, John Alcock, Hannah Biairdi, Mary Hawkins, Betty Jardine, and Robert Alcock.
A memorial service will be held for friends and family at noon on Saturday, Aug. 26 at New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin with a time of remembrance, refreshment, and fellowship following. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to The Wishingstone Garden at Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of Caleb Alcott. Contributions can be made at www.bostonchildrens.org/givenow or mail checks, payable to Boston Children’s Hospital, to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include honoree’s name in the memo line.