[UPDATE] Alfred 'Al' Bristol of Piermont, 2012 Rockland Buffalo Soldier Award Winner, Has Died

Alfred “Al” Bristol, a decorated World War II veteran who received Rockland County’s 2012 Buffalo Solider Award, has died.

Bristol served during WW II in an anti-aircraft artillery unit mostly in the Pacific and had been in the reserves before the war began. He was a member of the Harlem Hellfighters, the 369^thInfantry and fought in Okinawa. His medals include the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. 

"It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Alfred Bristol," said a statement this morning by the Historical Society of Rockland County. "Mr. Bristol was the recipient of the HSRC's 2011 Living Landmark Award and was also the recipient of the Buffalo Soldier Award. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."

Bristol was born in Newark, NJ in 1911. He turned 101 in 2012.

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef presented the 19^th annual award to the Piermont resident in a room filled with veterans from other wars. At the time, he spoke about Bristol’s involvement in the community.  He described Bristol as a Rocklander who grew up in the county and raised his family at Camp Shanks, which after the war formed part of Tappan. 

“Mr. Bristol is a legend in Tappan,” said Vanderhoef at the awards ceremony.  “He helped found the Tappan Library. He spent 30 plus years on its board, serving seven years as its president.”

Vanderhoef spoke about Bristol’s involvement with saving Clausland Mountain, his years working with Sotheby’s and teaching tennis. Bristol is senior vice commander of Piermont’s VFW Post. 

“This year’s honoree is not only an outstanding citizen (with) an outstanding military career but he has helped shape Rockland from its very foundation,” said Vanderhoef at the time.  “And that’s unique not just because of his 100 years but because of his activities, because of his involvement.”

Bristol, who had numerous medals and awards pinned to his jacket, saluted after receiving the honor. 

“It’s an honor,” he said when he received the award.  “It’s really an honor to receive this. That’s all I can say.”

State Sen. David Carlucci, D-New City, presented Bristol with a New York State Senate Proclamation and thanked him for his service in the military and to the nation, Rockland County and the Tappan Library.

A panel of previous honorees helped choose Bristol for the Buffalo Soldier Award. Since 1993, the Buffalo Solider Award has been presented yearly to an outstanding African American veteran who is a county resident.

It is named after the soldiers of the 10^th Black Calvary Regiment, who were nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers.”  Native Americans spoke about the soldiers’ bravery and fortitude, comparing them to buffalo because they suffered wound after wound yet did not die.  The 10^th Calvary served in the Kansas Frontier, Indian Wars, World War I, World War II and Vietnam. 

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Alfred Bristol, a longtime resident of Rockland County, died peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2013 with his caring family at his side.

Al was born in Newark, NJ, to Archibald and Vera (Bailey) Bristol on Nov. 5, 1911. While in the Bronx, Al joined the National Guard attaining the rank of staff sergeant. After serving in the South Pacific during World War II, he was honorably discharged from the US Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.

After briefly returning to the Bronx, Al resided in Shanks Village in Orangeburg, Flushing (Queens) and finally settling in Tappan, where he became prominently active in the community. Between 1963 and 1995, Al was continuously either Trustee or President of the Tappan Library and helped establish the Tappan Historic District.

During this time, Al was instrumental in the merger of Parke-Bernet and Sotheby's, where he was responsible for creating exhibits and auction galleries. After 65 years, Al retired as a Vice President and until recently as a consultant assisting the auctioneers. He lent his auctioneering expertise to help raise money to preserve Clausland Mountain as a natural space free of development.

Al received the 'Buffalo Award' from the Rockland County's Veterans Service Agency in recognition of exceptional african-american veterans in Rockland. He was also the Senior Vice Commander of the VFW No. 7462 Piermont Memorial Post. The Historical Society of Rockland County awarded Al the first 'Living Landmark' Award for his commitment and service to the county. Among his varied interests, he was an avid tennis player and enjoyed his weekly card games with his friends.

Al is survived by his wife of 72 years, Carolyn (née Itokazu); his niece Kristan MacIntyre and her husband Walter; and longtime family friend, Pat Civitello. He was predeceased by his son, Kim, who died unexpectedly in 1967 and his two sisters and two brothers.

Devoting his time and heart to his community and profession, Al will be missed by the many friends and colleagues that he made over the many years.

A special thanks is extended to Marie and Claire from A to Z Services for their thoughtful care of Alfred and Carolyn through this difficult time.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, 10 am, at the Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan with burial to follow at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY. Visiting hours will be Wednesday and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A VFW Service will be held Thursday 7:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tappan Library, 93 Main St., Tappan, NY 10983 or United Hospice of Rockland (hospiceofrockland.org or 845-634-4974).