George James Alfano passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2009, of congestive heart failure.  He was born on October 23, 1928 in Kenosha, WI, the son of Annunziato and Anna (Kinlein) Alfano.  He graduated from Mary D. Bradford Senior High School in Kenosha in January 1947.  George earned his bachelor of Art Education, graduating in June of 1951 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  He served active duty in the Air Force from August 1951- August 1955, as an Intelligence Operator during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in July 1959.  In 1959 he earned a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Yale University.  While attending school in New Haven, CT, he met and married Nancy Caroline Bryan in 1956.

George and Nancy had three children:  James (Sharon) Alfano of Janesville, WI, Annalisa (William) Garrett of Knoxville, TN, and Rhea (Richard) Wallis of Waunakee, WI.  

George worked as an Architect for the State of Wisconsin for 34 years, retiring in 1994.

George was proud of his Italian Heritage, serving with his brother as an altar boy, his work in a foundry as a young man, his academic accomplishments, military service and the work he did for the State of Wisconsin and Holy Name Seminary.  He was especially proud of his grandchildren:  Rachael, Heather, Robert, Nancy, William, John, Ericka and James; and his great-grandchildren:  Diego, Lorenzo, Adelynn, Sydel, Ava and George.  He loved aircraft, art, architecture, bridges, reading, history, acting, playing in a band and building models.  He proudly served as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he taught sailing and seamanship.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, his brother, Jack.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church (5313 Flad Ave., Madison) at 11:00AM on Friday, February 27, 2009 with Monsignor Michael Burke presiding.  Family and friends may call on Friday from 10:00AM until the time of the service at the church.  Interment will be held at St. George Cemetery in Kenosha, WI at a later date.  Throughout his life, George battled illnesses including Esophagus Cancer and Prostate Cancer.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Wisconsin, Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center in Madison, WI.