Alvin Eugene Walbridge

Alvin Eugene Walbridge passed away at his home in Easton on Saturday, May 27, 2006. He was 88. Born in Easton, MD May 14, 1918, he was the son of the late Clarence W. and Florence Hutchison Walbridge. After graduating from Easton High School in 1936, he worked for Shannahan & Wrightson Hardware in Easton until opening his own hardware store in 1939. In 1943 he was drafted into the U.S. Army which forced the closing of his business. Registered as a conscientious objector, he fulfilled his obligation by entering Civilian Public Service. After returning home he joined his father’s construction firm, C.W. Walbridge & Sons. When his father retired due to poor health he and his brothers, Elmer and Gilbert, continued the business as Walbridge Bros. He retired in 1985. His active church life extended to his business. In Easton, Mr. Walbridge was involved in the building of the Christian Scientist Church, Miller Hall and the belfry and steeple spire at Trinity Cathedral, and renovated the rectory at Christ Church. In St. Michaels, he built the Catholic Chapel, renovated St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, built the church office and addition to the parish hall at Christ Church, and the Lych Gate to the cemetery at Christ Church. In Denton, he played an extensive role in construction and maintenance of Camp Mardela. In 1953 he assisted the Church of The Brethren with post-war reconstruction efforts in Germany by volunteering to help build Kassel Haus in Kassel, Germany. He volunteered for hurricane disaster relief following hurricane Agnes in Harrisburg, PA and hurricane Hugo in Charleston, SC. At the Easton Church of The Brethren where he was a member, Mr. Walbridge served as a deacon, served on the church board, was a member of the choir and the men’s chorus, was a Sunday School Teacher and youth advisor. At Camp Mardela in Denton, he served as a youth camp director. For eleven years he served on the Easton Historic District Commission and also served as a director for Historic Easton, Inc. Mr. Walbridge is survived by his wife, the former Ellen Miller, whom he married March 2, 1941; five children, Lois Schall and her husband Bob of Denton, MD, Barbara McCann and her husband Larry of Richmond, VA, Gene Walbridge and his wife Diane of Easton, MD, Carol Goss and her husband Jeff and Sandy Faw and her husband Eric all of Richmond, VA; a brother, Gilbert C. Walbridge of Easton, MD; a sister, Doris M. Walbridge of Elgin, IL; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Elmer R. Walbridge and Paul L. Walbridge; and a granddaughter, Erin Marie Walbridge. Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 3, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Easton Church of The Brethren. Friends may call on Friday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton. Burial will be at Fairview Church of The Brethren, Cordova, MD. Memorial donations may be made to the Easton Church of The Brethren Building Fund, 412 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD 21601.