Alice Isabel (Matson) DiBlasi (1915 - 2009)

Born 7 Mar 1915 in Woodhaven, NY

Ancestors

Died 7 Aug 2009 at age 94 in William Hill Manor, Easton, Talbot, Maryland, United States

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Biography

Times Herald (Olean, New York) 8 December 1941 Two Alfred University graduates, Ensign and Mrs Howard Sephton, also are stationed at Honolulu. Mrs. Sephton is the former Miss Alice Matson.

Inscription: WIFE OF SEPHTON, HOWARD IRVING CMDR US NAVY

Plot: SECTION D SITE 1253

Alice was born in 1915. She was the daughter of Wiliam Matson and Clarissa Ketcham. The oldest of four daughters, Alice grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. She graduated from Alfred University, Alfred, N.Y., Class of 1937.

Alice married her college sweetheart, Ensign Howard Sephton in 1940. He was sent to Pearl Harbor and she joined him there the summer of 1941. Both were present for the Japanese attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

She returned to New Jersey (with Carol) in 1945 to await the birth of William. Howard joined her there and they traveled to Pensacola Naval Air Station where he received training in aeronautical reconnaissance prior to his return to civilian life.

They moved to Alfred, N.Y., where he was engaged in research work for the Navy Department until he was recalled to active duty in 1951 and they moved to Arlington Va. After Cmdr. Sephton's passing on June 27, 1952, the family returned to New York. Alice became certified and taught school for several years before moving to Rhode Island. In Rhode Island, she worked as a social worker and in special education. She later returned to Alfred, N.Y., where she worked as an administrative assistant to a department head.

Retiring in 1981, she moved to a retirement community in Whiting, N.J., where she met and married Thomas DiBlasi in 1982. Alice and Tom spent many happy years traveling all over the world. Following Mr. DiBlasi's death in 2005, she moved to Easton where her daughter lived.

She was a member of the Episcopal; Reformed Church. Activities she enjoyed included DAR, AU Alumni, bridge and Cub Scout den mother.

Sources

Find A Grave Memorial# 72525557

• Genealogy compiled by Clarissa E. Ketcham

Obituary in Easton Star Democrat, Aug 9, 2009, accessed online at stardem.com