Alfred Nelson Churchill, known to his loved ones as Al, died on Oct. 12. He was 85.

He was born on April 18, 1938 in Boston. Al was a third-generation Islander and grew up on a family farm on Old County Road in West Tisbury. He received his education at Tisbury High and joined the U.S. Navy at age 18. He served proudly.

After the military, he married and raised two sons while he built and operated a metal parts machine shop. When his mother, Sophia, needed his care, he moved to Punta Gorda, Fla. to care for her. He made Florida his home and expanded his interest in the real estate market.

Al has always been active in the church. Church services and Bible study were important aspects of his life. In 2021, he, his sister Betty and brother George  were baptized at the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. He shared his faith with his wife, Patricia, and they planned a trip to Israel for next year where they hoped to be baptized in the River Jordan.

In his free time, Al enjoyed boating. He later indulged in a passion for motorcycles. He found solace and joy in the thrill of the open road, forging unforgettable memories along the way. At the time of his death he was on a motorcycle trip to Birmingham, Ala.

Al is survived by his beloved wife Patricia, children Al Jr. and Steven, seven grandchildren, his sister Betty and brother George.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His legacy of love, faith and service will forever remain in their hearts.

His family asks people to join them in celebrating Al’s life and honoring his memory. He will be interred next spring in the family plot in Vineyard Haven with his parents and grandparents.