Obituary of Alfred M Santos

OBITUARY: Alfred M. Santos, Founder of The American Foundation for Charities of Portugal Alfred M. Santos, founder of the American Foundation for Charities of Portugal (AFCP), and well-respected in the Portuguese-American community, died April 1st 2014 at the age of 88. Mr. Santos, who was born in Ilhavo, Portugal, was extremely active in the Portuguese-American community in New York. The World War II Veteran is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Marie Santos of Fort Salonga, New York. Mr. Santos is also survived by his four Children: George, Alfred, Michael, Irene and Step-Children Holly and Gene, was a Grandfather to thirteen, Great Grandfather to four Mr. Santos migrated to the United States in 1942 at the age of 17 and settled in Tarrytown, New York where he completed his education thereafter, he served the United States Navy in World War II on active duty in (Philippines, Australia and the Pacific Theater) he received an Honorable Discharge and many decorations. When he returned from the U.S. Navy, Mr. Santos began what would turn out to be a 45-year career in the construction industry where he proved very successful. In 1954, after previously working as a carpenter and a foreman, he began S&S Concrete. The company he built from the ground up began as a home building company and grew into a commercial and institutional construction corporation that handled multi-million dollar projects. The efforts of S&S Concrete were essential in the implementation of many infrastructures and projects. Besides his career in construction and love of golf Mr. Santos was most notably known for his philanthropy and his qualities as a figurative ambassador of Portuguese culture in the U.S. In 1983, he founded the American Foundation for Charities of Portugal (AFCP) which is an organization of Portuguese immigrants who are dedicated to raising funds to assist disadvantaged organizations and individuals within Portugal. Approximately $2,000,000 has been distributed to various charitable organizations throughout the country. Mr. Santos was President of the AFCP for five years and was 'Founder and President Emeritus' at the time of his death. Mr. Santos was a member of a myriad of Portuguese organizations both in the United States and in Portugal. He was a member of the Portugal U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Portuguese Continental Union USA, Portuguese Cultural Societies of Long Island and Westchester, Kiwanis Club, and many more. He has also been recognized for his community contributions and has been awarded many awards and decorations. In his later years, Alfred Santos had a true passion for cooking & golf; you could almost always find him at Wheatley Hills Golf Club on the course or watching golf from home. Mr. Santos will be greatly missed by all. Wake will be held at Weigan Bros. Funeral Home, 49 Hillside Ave., Williston Park on Saturday 4/5- Sunday 4/6 from 2PM-4PM and 7PM-9PM on both days. Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Monday 4/7 at St. Bridgid's Church, 178 Post Ave., Westbury. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to: The American Foundation for Charities of Portugal in memory to Alfred M. Santos. P.O .Box 981 , Bethpage , NY 11714