Alphonse Saniuta died of natural causes on Christmas Eve. He was 95.

He was born in Kearny, N.J., on Jan. 9, 1922. He started playing the accordion as a child and continued until a few days before his death. After high school, he joined the Navy where he met and married his wife Sally in Edgartown. He was in business as a master sign painter and pinstripe detail artist for over 60 years, completely freehand. He was respected for his integrity and forgiven for his brusqueness. He demanded the best from everyone as he did himself. His standards were high, his compliments scarce but there was never any doubt that he put his family first. He adored his wife, daughters, granddaughters, their children and the four-legged grandchildren as well.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Sally Saniuta; daughters Nancy Green-Sirrico of Plymouth, Wendy Scandurra of Bourne and Sue Birch of Middletown, Ct.; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

There will be even more polkas in heaven now, along with an accordion, duct tape, wax pencils, velcro shoes, suspenders, peanut butter, bird feeders, Patriot games, and most of all his family that has already passed on.

For an online guest book, please visit www.cartmelldavis.com