Alfred A. Fondacaro Jr., 80; was state GOP treasurer

Alfred A. Fondacaro Jr., an active member of the Massachusetts Republican Party and lifelong resident of Medford, died Nov. 28 at Life Care Center of Stoneham from complications of pneumonia. He was 80.

Mr. Fondacaro graduated from Medford High School in 1944 and served in the US Army, mostly in Japan, until 1947.

After his military service, Mr. Fondacaro graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and religion from St. Michael's College in Vermont.

He became a buyer for Filene's in Boston, where he purchased women's clothing for the store. While he was working for the store, he met Aileen (Artz), and they were married in 1957.

Mr. Fondacaro left Filene's and opened his own clothing store in Watertown. He would go to New York City to buy for the store and also had women make things for it in Watertown. The shop eventually went out of business.

In 1978, he went to work as a social worker in the Massachusetts Department of Welfare. He retired in 1991.

He was very active in state and local politics. He served as treasurer of the Republican State Committee in the 1980s and '90s and was a longtime state committeeman. He also served as commissioner of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Group Insurance Commission. He also was a former chairman of the Medford Republican City Committee and former chairman of the Medford Housing Authority.

He enjoyed traveling, cooking, and learning about the history of the Catholic Church, relatives said.

He was predeceased by his wife and leaves a son, Alfred A. Fondacaro III of Medford; a sister, Rosa Streeter of Hilton Head, S.C.; and three grandchildren.

Services have been held.