Alvin Francis Via, "Al", 86 of California, MD passed away August 3, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital.

Born July 22, 1923 in Alexandria VA, he was the middle child to the late Samuel and Lillian Thorpe Via.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Brewer Via; father of son Steven and his wife, Judy Via of Manassas, VA and daughter Kimberley and her husband, Kevin McEligot, of Leonardtown, MD. He is survived by grandchildren Ashley Via of Bristow, VA; Trevor Via of Manassas, VA; and Kevin, Christopher and Colin McEligot of Leonardtown, MD. He is also survived by his brother James and his wife, Esther Via of Culpepper, VA. He was predeceased by his sister, Miriam Ray.

He attended George Washington High School in Alexandria and then enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII, where he landed in the second wave at Omaha Beach. He made his home in Arlington, VA and was employed by Sealtest, High's Dairy and then the Southland Corporation before retiring and relocating to Virginia Beach. In October 2008, he and his wife moved to Saint Mary's County to be closer to family in Maryland and Virginia.

Wherever Al lived he had a way of enjoying life to the fullest. He enjoyed hunting, visiting friends, time outdoors through gardening, biking and sunning. He was an avid fisherman and spent many days fishing the Potomac, Little Island, the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. He was always on a quest for the best catch, the perfect tomato, a sweet ear of corn or the heaviest steamed crab. One of his favorite adventures was when he traveled with is son-in-law, Cdr. (Ret.) Kim McEligot aboard the USS George Washington for the 50th anniversary of D-Day. He made fast friends with fellow WWII veterans and active duty members of the U. S. Navy. He enjoyed sailing beside the Queen Elizabeth II from England to Normandy, where he met President Clinton. Those who knew him knew that they had a generous friend for life that would always be there for them. He demonstrated strength and perseverance to his family and friends as he overcame many physical obstacles. He was an example of "The Greatest Generation" and those who knew him knew that they had a generous friend for life that would always be there for them.

Service times are pending. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 299, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or the Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.