Kind, thoughtful, principled, and much-loved by family and friends, Alfred Francis Corfield of Tustin, California, passed away peacefully on June 19 at the age of 86 after a nearly three-month hospitalization brought on by pneumonia.
Born in Washington, D.C., Al, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. From humble beginnings, his feats on the gridiron at Sharpsburg High School earned him a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. A member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, he graduated from Pitt with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. He later earned an MBA from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
Upon graduation from Pitt, Al married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Tarasi, also of Sharpsburg. Best friends and happily married for 64 years, Al and Pat raised three sons. Having experienced the lure of Southern California while traveling for football in college, Al and his young family moved across the country to Tustin, California, in 1975—a city Al proudly called home for 50 years.
Professionally, Al spent most of his career as an engineer and executive in the circuit board industry, including several years at Hughes Aircraft in Fullerton, CA, and an adventurous two years overseas as President of DPMC in Dalian, China.
Al had many interests throughout his life including his passion for photography and martial arts—of which he earned a black belt in Hapkido. Ever curious, he built an engine for a Toyota Corolla one summer just to see if he could, and later followed that up by meticulously crafting a Cutty Sark model ship that took nearly a year. He was a patient man. Once retired, Al and Pat journeyed to several European destinations, creating many cherished memories.
Al was a long-time member of the Tustin Area Historical Society, where he served as President and Treasurer, as well as a member of the Santa Ana Elks Club. Always health-conscious, he continued working out into his 80s, often finishing his gym workouts with wind sprints and box jumps.
Al is survived by his wife Patricia Corfield, sons Michael and Kevin Corfield, daughter-in-law Kelleen Wilhelm Corfield, and grandchildren Kelly Corfield, Sean Corfield, Reid Jackson, and Lauren Jackson Cortez. He is predeceased by his son Daniel Corfield, his mother Katherine Corfield, and many uncles and aunts in the Sharpsburg area who were pivotal to his upbringing.
A memorial service will be held on July 9at10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Irvine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden West College Foundation on behalf of The Daniel J. Corfield Memorial Scholarship. Al will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.