Alfred R. Carl, Jr., passed away Friday, Sept. 19, 2014.
Alfred was born Sept. 18, 1947, son of the late Alfred and Marian K. Carl. He grew up on his family’s farm in West Holyoke, raising berries, apples, vegetables and chickens, and keeping an apiary from the age of 12. Many old customers still fondly recall his egg route as a youngster.
He attended the Williston Northampton School, graduating with the class of 1967, and Holyoke High School, graduating from Hillsdale College in Michigan, and continued his graduate work in entomology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
As chief apiary inspector for Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources he was meticulous to details and a thoughtful and supportive mentor, helping countless beginner and experienced beekeepers navigate the science of apiculture, subscribing to numerous journals and publications to keep up with current research.
With his wife of 32 years he operated Roundhill Orchard in Southampton, raising apples, pears, stone fruits and berries for the farm stand and for Farmers Markets, especially in Amherst and Florence, where he established deep friendships with customers, many of whom remember his parents, and now appreciate his son Andrew continuing this work.
During Al’s illness, the responsibility for most of the farm work fell to Andrew, so there was opportunity to grow closer.
Al died at home from complications of lymphoma. His family was able to care for him to the end and for this they are deeply grateful to Baystate Hospice.
He leaves his wife Kate Miller Carl; beloved daughter Jenny Kapinos (James); adored twin grandchildren Elizabeth and Thomas of Easthampton, with whom he hoped to further explore the natural world; son Andrew Douglas Carl and his partner Tricia Brown; as well as sisters-in-law Elizabeth Miller Grasty (Warren) of Virginia, Louisa Miller Hoar (William) of Maryland, and Judith Miller Conlin (Michael) of Southampton; and brother-in-law Bruce Douglas Miller and his partner Annette Piskell of Florida. He leaves his aunt Maryjule Klopfer and her partner Leo in Holyoke, cousins Robert (Patricia) Klopfer and Jim Klopfer (Stan) of Connecticut. He also leaves nieces and nephews in the area and in Georgia, at the family farm Colonsay.
He was predeceased by his uncle Robert Klopfer, cousin Ken Klopfer (Ruth), and brother-in-law Michael Conlin.
My memories of Al were nothing but positive. He was congenial with a quick wit and easy smile, and was one of those guys that were very even keel. He had a serious side of course and the classes we had together revealed someone who knew how to listen well and apply himself, something I admit I learned later on in life. We lost him far too early. I wish the best to Al`s family and my sincere condolences.
It’s sad to hear of the passing of our classmate, Alfred Carl. I remember Alfred from our eight grade class where we all lived at Swan House on the Lower Campus. Alfred was a kind and gentle person. I was happy to have read about Alfred’s pursuit of bees, and know that he must have enjoyed his involvement in this important part of our natural world. I also wish the best to Alfred’s family and my sincere condolences.