Alfred Arthur Switzer

Alfred Arthur Switzer, a Korean War Veteran and a 21 year member of the New York City Fire Department, passed on Friday, December 26, 2014. He was 78 years old. The son of Alfred Switzer and Edna Meserole (nee Smith), he was born on April 8, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York. A true patriot, Alfred was loyal to his family, friends and country. He was full of life whether talking about his beloved family or his devotion to the New York Jets. Buddy, as he was affectionately known, maintained long and lasting friendships with all he met, and respected each and everyone one for who they were. Along with his service in the Korean conflict and in the FDNY, Buddy worked the Brooklyn docks as a longshoreman, and a retired nurse for the VA Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. An original member of the Steuben Society, he also ran the NYC Fire Department Boxing Events, coached PAL football, and was an avid fisherman and golfer. Buddy was a one of a kind man, who could talk for hours about every subject under the sun. He loved a good story, a good book, and trips to Atlantic City with his beloved wife, Alice. For those who knew and loved him, the world will never be the same. Survivors include his loving wife, Alice Switzer at home; his three children: John and his wife Brenda, Billy and his wife Maria, and Alicia and her husband Anthony. Alfred was known as "Poppy" to his 8 grandchildren: Alison, Paxton, Ryan, Samantha, Andrew, Chris, Alexa and Joseph; and six great grandchildren. A Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 during the hours of 2 to 4 & 6 to 8 PM at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc. located at 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Anastasia Shrine Church, located at 21 North Main Street, Harriman, New York 10926, with Father Joseph D'Amico officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alfred's name may be sent to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, New York 10475. The family has entrusted Thomas F. Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., 139 Stage Road, Monroe, New York 10950 with the care and funeral arrangements for Alfred. For directions to the funeral home, St. Anastasia R.C. Church or to offer an online memorial please visit www.flynnfh.com