Alfred Tollis

Alfred Tollis aka “Hona”, “Alfredo”, or “Al” was born in Rockvale, Colorado September 28, 1923.  Alfredo passed away peacefully at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco November 21, 2017, from pneumonia after diagnosed with Brain Cancer less than 2 months ago.

Alfred was predeceased by his parents Giovanni Tollis and Laurita Zavatti; his sister, Fernada; his brothers, Dougie (Armando), Lee (Olivio), Tee (Oresto), Keno (Erminio), Curp (Gusto); and his long-time friend, Edward Yauch.  Beloved uncle of many nieces, nephews and their families, and beloved best friend of Irving Mok and Tsuneo Suzuki. 

Alfred graduated from Florence High School where he had received a 3 Letter Man Awards for excelling in Basketball, Football, and Tennis, and being selected as the President and Head Boy of the High School.

After High School graduation, Alfred served as an U.S. Navy radioman in USS Appalachian (AGC-1) ship in WWII navigating through Pacific regions from 1943-1946.  Alfred continued to play basketball and other Sports in Navy through College. 

After honorable discharged from U.S. Navy, Alfred went to and graduated from Western State College in 1950 with a Bachelor degree – Major in Business Administration and Minor in Physical Education, and worked for PG&E of San Francisco for 30 years as a Supervisor of Computer Information System before retirement.

Besides strong interests in sports, Alfred appreciated beauty of all kinds – decorations, arts, music, plants and animals (as an amateur dog handler competing against the professionals, his beloved Maltese, Christy, crowned as a Champion in a dog show of American Kennel Club).  Alfred started singing Italian Neopolitan songs and Broadway showtunes at an Italian Coffee house, Caffe Trieste at North Beach of San Francisco, since 1999 at the age of 75. 

Above all, Alfred had a sense of humor and the angelic qualities with kind and gentle soul - often helped his friends with compassion & dedication; forgiving and seeing everyone in positive lights; & greeting everyone he met with a sincere friendly eye gaze and a genuine warm smile from his heart.

Relatives and friends are welcome for the Funeral Mass which will be held December 1st at 10:00 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, 622 W. 2nd Str., Florence, CO, with interment to follow at Union Highland Cemetery, Florence, Colorado.  Arrangements entrusted to Harwood Cremation & Funeral Services.  Online condolences at Harwoodfuneral.com.

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