Jeffrey Lawrence Alford

Jeff Alford, age 59, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.

He was a longtime resident of New Castle. Jeff lived in the home he purchased as a small 1-story fix-or-upper and transformed it in to a beautiful 2-story, all with his own hands.

He was born in 1963 in Wilmington. He lived with his family in Wilmington Manor until 1973, when he moved to Odessa. While there, he attended Middletown High School and played on their winning football team. He was able to play either offence or defense but his main position was nose guard. Although Jeff was not as big as many players at 6’1’ and 175 lb., he was muscular and had so much heart. He loved playing football and loved his team. It was one of the high points in his life. He was especially proud of being one of the elite for the all-state team.

Although he would always love football and supported his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles, he was also a very accomplished tennis player. He played tennis most of his life, especially with his family and his strength and determination were evident on the court as well as the football field.

Jeff’s most important gift was inherited from his maternal grandfather. Both of them were self-taught carpenters. Both loved working with their hands in this field all their lives. Over the years, Jeff honed his skills to the master level. He worked for several companies over the years, including his own. He was beloved not only for the skills but for his easygoing nature. His last job was with Nate Taylor Builders, whose owner happened to be the son of the original builder Jeff Taylor, that Jeff started with as a teenager learning the ropes.

On the outside Jeff was a big muscular guy but inside he was a sweet quiet and shy homebody with a heart of gold and a beautiful soul. He approached life with a great sense of humor. Jeff was adored by his family and will be sadly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Helen Alford, and his brother David Alford.

Jeff is survived by his youngest sister Heather Triozzi and her husband Derick DeAngelo, his brother Steven Alford and his wife Chris, his oldest sister Terry Eldridge and her husband Robert, step-mother Jean Alford. Also survived by two nephews Aidan and Logan Triozzi, their father John Triozzi. Niece Ruth Rivera and her husband Peter Dorn of Albany, New York, great nephews Sebastian Sarbora and his wife Jazzmine, Augustus Rivera his wife Lucy, and Zeus Opalach.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec 8, 2022 from 10-11:30AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, followed by his funeral service at 11:30AM. Interment Gracelawn Memorial Park.