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Alphonse Joseph Squitieri, a St. Louis resident for over 50 years, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 84. He was born in the Bronx borough of New York on July 13, 1936 to Geraldine and Salvatore Squitieri, M.D. An only child, he enjoyed growing up in the midst of his many cousins. He spent a lot of time with his mother, Grandmother, and his aunts Francis and Rosalie while his father, Salvatore, was stationed overseas during WW2.

Al studied philosophy at Dartmouth College, the only school to which he applied, and told stories of the outdoor adventures - camping, hiking, river guiding - he made across the Northeast during those years. He spoke extraordinarily fondly of his college roommate, Glower Jones. In fact, at his 50th college reunion, they reconnected and spent the remaining years in touch with Glower and his wife, Joanna. He went to medical school at St. Louis University, his father’s alma mater, and established a successful medical practice in St. Louis after graduating.

He married Maria Benassi in June 1962 with whom he had 5 beautiful and successful children, Gina, Michele, Rafael, Ricardo and Cara who now reside on the east coast. He served as an Army physician overseas in Germany from 1965-1968, where he lived with his wife Maria and Gina and they welcomed Michele. Upon their return to the United States, they settled back in St. Louis. He spoke often of many beautiful and hilarious memories raising the Squitieri crew.

Our dad spent much of his professional life at Incarnate Word Hospital as Chief of Medical Staff, where he was beloved by patients, staff and physicians alike. Many lasting friendships were made within those sacred walls. Dr. Squitieri was a dedicated physician who loved his job and felt it his calling to return his patients to health. Al worked as a physician for 50 years and upon his retirement, his family, friends and colleagues celebrated him in splendid style at the Missouri Athletic Club.

He married Caren in 1984 and was blessed with two more children, Andrea and Allegra. Together they enjoyed lots of travel, scuba diving, gardening, golf and strength training sessions - all passions of Al’s. He actually won a weight training award in his early 80s - a feat that, in true Dr. Squitieri style, found its way subtly (but often) into even the most casual of conversations!

While Al was more of an introvert by nature, he overcame that with a presence that attracted new friends wherever he went. Many great and lasting friendships began in line at airports, on the golf course, on a dock or dive boat or an Italian restaurant. People were drawn to our dad’s magnetic energy and hilarious one-liners.

Our dad had many hobbies that filled his time and mind - cooking, scuba diving, crossword puzzles, strength training, reading and golf. He was a life-long learner. Woodturning, a hobby he greatly enjoyed, he only took up in his 70s! He loved to host Sunday suppers, which were always a huge affair with substantial quantities of homemade dishes, filled with family, friends, neighbors, and even clergy. Our dad was at ease in the kitchen and loved a strong cocktail or two to pair with his dinners. Many memories were made around the dinner table with laughs that lasted long into the night.

The great loves of his life were Caren, his seven children, and his thirteen grandchildren. He doted on Caren and she often commented how he’d keep her entertained and on her toes. He relished time with his family all together, and loved to tell stories. All his children teased that phone calls were heartfelt though never lasted more than 5 minutes. With much of the family life revolving around the table, he started everyday by asking, “What we should have for dinner?” even into his very last days. He loved spending time with his children - Allegra was lucky enough to live near Dad all her 28 years - and loved visiting with the ‘kids on the East Coast’. In recent years, we spent Thanksgiving together as a large extended family in New England. He traveled extensively with the Garveys and the Millens, in a group affectionately known as the ‘Breakfast Club.’

Many people adored our dad, from far and wide, including his in-laws, the late John and Jean Levick, plus his brothers- and sisters-in-laws - Michael (Cheryl), Steve (Deni), Joan, Mary (her children Shannon and Sean) and Barb (Peter). His son-in-law Brian Garvey holds him especially dear. His extended family through Andrea’s marriage - Martha and Harold Garvey - hold a special place in his heart. Treasured remembered family and friends include: The Cacchiones, The Middens, Debbie (Gary) Sanazaro, The Rellers, The Hemaks, Janelle (late Dr. Jim) Criscione, The Waxmans, Roy Godin and Jane Kennison, The Musichs, The Hahns, The Sigmunds, The Ginthers, The Kraegers, The Hammerschmidts, Val Tripi and David Weber, The Goris, The Awans, Fr. Kenneth Brown, Fr. David Meconl, S.J, Duke & Harriet Squitieri, Ralph Squitieri, Dorothea Squitieri, Louise Squitieri.

Important supporters to our mother during this long and difficult journey include all those named above plus Mary Kay Grant, Billie Ann Wilson, Allegra and Drew, her siblings Joan, Steve, Barb and Mary; Debbie, The Shaughnessys, The Sodds, The Karleskints, Gayle Hantak, her Alpha Chi sisters, and the CJA 74s. Deep and noteworthy gratitude is owed to Deborah and Julie who made living at home possible and Laura who has spent an hour of therapy solving the world’s problems with Squit every Tuesday morning since 2016. Number one pup award goes to sweet Sugar, who loves and misses her snuggle buddy dearly.

A Memorial Mass will be said in his honor on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, 6737 S. Rock Hill Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123. Private interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cor Jesu Academy Class of 1974 Scholarship Fund, 10230 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123 or to St. Louis University Catholic Studies Centre, 3838 W. Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.