Alphonso 'Al' Howard Wingate Sr

Alphonso “Al” Howard Wingate Sr., 47, passed away on June 25, 2019, of natural causes in American Canyon, California. Al was born on March 23, 1972, at Irvington General Hospital in Irvington, New Jersey. He was the ninth of ten children born to Mary L. Wingate and the late Lucretia Wingate. He was raised and educated in Hillside, New Jersey, and graduated from Hillside High School in 1990. Following graduation, Al proudly served in the United States Air Force for five years. After completing his military service, he ultimately settled in California, where he built both his career and his family life. Al worked for Milestones of Development Incorporated, providing comprehensive, high-quality care and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He took great pride in his work and regarded his coworkers and clients as family. During this time, Al met and married, his former wife, Shawnte Lewis on April 29, 2006. From their union came their pride and joy, Alphonso “AJ” Howard Wingate Jr. Al and AJ shared a deep bond and a love for nature. Al was especially active in Boy Scouts, where he served with dedication as Committee Chair, Unit Commissioner, District Roundtable Commissioner, and Cubmaster for Troop 7062 and Pack 7178. Al had a passion for collecting rare and meaningful items, with a special interest in memorabilia. He was an avid learner with wide-ranging interests that included Marvel comics, model airplanes, and cars. A devoted sports fan, Al was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers supporter and was often seen proudly wearing Steelers gear. Al’s spirit was truly infectious. He was charismatic, opinionated, strong-willed, artistic, passionate, and playful. As a child, he was athletic and enjoyed playing sports, traits that carried into his adult life through his enthusiasm and energy. Alphonso was preceded in death by his father, Lucretia Wingate (1986); his brother, Michael Anthony Wingate (1973); and his brother, Reverend John Bernard Wingate (2018). He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved son, Alphonso “AJ” Howard Wingate Jr.; his loving mother, Mary Lee Wingate; his siblings: Angela Wingate-Haynes, Rodney Wingate, Thomas Wingate Sr. (Monica), Sheila McKoy (Ron), Sonya Wingate (Mustafa), George Wingate Sr., and Roger Wingate; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Alphonso 'Al' Howard Wingate Sr

March 23, 1973 - June 25, 2019