Alfred P. Defonzo

AMHERST - Dr. Alfred P. DeFonzo was a loving father, dedicated husband and distinguished physicist and electrical engineer. He was born in Rhode Island on November 9th, 1946. He attended The University of Rhode Island and received his Bachelor Degree of Science in Physics. He entered Brown University and was awarded a PHD degree in Physics.
He also studied at the Enrico Fermi Institute of Physics in Italy. He married his wife Adele in 1976, and they moved to Washington DC where he joined the Optical Division for the Naval Research Laboratory. The federal government's first picosecond and the optical techniques branch was established by Dr. DeFonzo. In 1983 he left government service to join the faculty at the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was a dedicated Educator, and he inspired countless students during his tenure with UMass Amherst. He was responsible for founding the “Very High-Speed Integrated Devices Laboratory”. His 1989-1990 sabbatical leave was at the MIT Sloan School of Engineering “Leaders for Manufacturing Programs”.
Among other highlights he received the College of Engineering Junior Faculty award and was a fellow of the Optical Engineers. Al played a critical role in the development of the Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA). He was a co-author of the key bulletin of the American Meteorology Society Journal that defined the concept of CASA’s dense radar networks. Dr. DeFonzo’s patents and over fifty scientific publications stand as a testament to his intellectual curiosity and tireless pursuit of knowledge. His work has left an indelible mark on the field of Physics and Electrical Engineering. Al’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.
Alfred was a skilled sailor who enjoyed sailing with his family and friends on both the east and west coast of the U.S as well as Vancouver British Columbia. He was an avid explorer and hiked the trails of New England with family and friends. Professional and family trips to Europe and Canada included visiting and experiencing the local culture and cuisine. He also had adventures in Mexico, Brazil, and the Amazon. The family also enjoyed visiting National Parks in the United States and when able stayed at historic lodges and inns. Cooking was his passion, and he created exquisite, detailed meals for family and friends.
Alfred is survived by his beloved and supportive wife of 48 years, Adele DeFonzo and devoted son, Derek DeFonzo. Survivors also include his two sisters, Janice Wheeler and Joyce Cotoia and her husband Carl of Rhode Island and nieces, nephews and relatives. All will remember Al as a friend who was highly engaging and intelligent. He will be missed. Special thanks go out to Anthony Hopf for his continued support and friendship throughout the years.
A Funeral Mass for Alfred will be celebrated at the Newman Center at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst at the end of September and there will be a Celebration of Alfred’s Life at the Brown University Manning Chapel with a reception to follow at The Brown Faculty Club in Rhode Island also in September. If one so desires, donations in Alfred’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.