SP4 Alfred (Al, Alfie) Gravagna, 72 passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on March 17th, 2024. Al was a US Army Veteran who served his country from January 8, 1973 until January 7, 1976. Al was a disabled veteran & honorably discharged.
Al was born on September 29, 1951 in Saint Louis, Missouri to his parents Anthony & Ann Gravagna. At the age of 21 Al enlisted in the Army. He wanted to operate heavy machinery. He graduated basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and then was Stationed in Fort Hood, Texas with the 62nd Engineer Battalion.
Before leaving for Texas Al met and fell in love with Donna (Ferguson) Gravagna, who he soon married in 1974. Al and Donna settled in the town of Killeen, Texas. Their first daughter Jennifer (Gravagna) Rappaport was born in 1975. Their second Daughter Dawna (Gravagna) Goodwin was born in St Louis in 1977 and their son Antonio Gravagna was born in 1980.
Al worked at Rigazzi’s Restaurant then owned 2 businesses before joining Laborers Union #42, Liunam, in 1993. Al worked almost exclusively for S.M. Wilson as a foreman until retirement in 2006 due to his health.
Al was predeceased by Ann Gravagna (Mother), Anthony Gravagna (Father), Anthony Gravagna (Brother) Doris Gravagna (sister-in-law), Debbie Gravagna (sister-in-law), Boots Ferguson (father-in-law), Margaret (Evans) Ferguson (mother-in-law). He is survived by his wife Donna (Ferguson) Gravagna and siblings Dennis (Mary Ann) Gravagna, Andy Gravagna, Maria (Bruce) Schuchardt, Cecelia ( Joe) Buneta, Charlie (Amy) Gravagna. He is also survived by his children Jennifer (Brian) Rappaport, Dawna (Jon) Goodwin & Antonio Gravagna. He leaves behind 8 beloved grandsons, Brent (Vicky) Gravagna, Alex Goodwin, Abe Rappaport, Giovanni Goodwin, Jude Rappaport, Anthony Goodwin, Isaac Rappaport & Jonah Rappaport and 1 great grandson, Dominic Gravagna. He also leaves behind nieces & nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends and memories.
There will be a wake on Sunday, March 24th 4pm-7pm at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Road.. Family is welcome at 3pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 25th at 1pm, family is welcome at Noon. An interment will immediately follow at Jefferson Barracks at 2pm. A luncheon will follow at Royal Orleans at 2:45 pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to DAV, VFW or St Jude’s Hospital.
Donna and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. What a great guy he was and my time being around Al during our years of coaching the girls softball team was so much fun. He will be missed by all of you as well as his family and friends. Rest in peace Al.
Our condolences with the loss of your father, grandfather, friend… Thinking of you and your family and sending love from Holland.