Alfred Lechner

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our Dad, Alfred Lechner, who passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the age of 99. Dad resided at the Masonicare complex in Wallingford, Connecticut, where he and our Mom moved to in 2006. He was born in New York City on August 18, 1926 to Frida (Stein) and William Lechner, and moved to Moodus, CT when he was six years old.

A WWII Veteran, Alfred enlisted into the Navy at age 17 immediately after graduating from high school on July 31,1944, receiving an Honorable Discharge in June 1946 after serving on the USS DANIEL T. GRIFFIN, and earning the Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal 1 Star and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

After his discharge he attended Indiana Tech and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He worked at General Dynamics Corp. in Connecticut in noise control and design on submarines. In 1963 Alfred joined the DuPont Company in Delaware. He was a senior engineer with ESD’s environmental group, working on noise control and then promoted to consultant in 1964. Alfred received a patent for the industrial audio dosimeter which measures employee noise exposure in changing acoustic environments. Thousands of these instruments have been sold. In 1976 he was promoted to Senior Consultant. He served on the supervisory committee for ASME performance test codes and was chairman for a code on industrial noise. During his time at DuPont, he was awarded additional patents in his field. Alfred retired from DuPont in 1985.

Alfred married Grace Shaw on April 1,1950 and resided in Moodus, CT. Every year on their anniversary one of them would say, “April Fools” and laugh. Mom and Dad were happily married for 65 years until Mom passed away in 2015. When asked of Dad what was the secret to such a long marriage, he replied, “It was fun.” He was a devoted husband and they were partners in every sense, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. His easy-going nature, sense of humor and unparalleled work ethic were traits that made him stand out as a fine man.

Dad loved working in his workshop fixing and building. He could fix or build just about anything. To our knowledge, a repairperson was never called into our house. He enjoyed attending dance class with Mom and it became a monthly social event for them with other friends for many years. Once retired he and Mom traveled to many places abroad together and with friends. He loved making bad jokes and could keep a straight face and a twinkle in his eyes while being very comical. He had never-ending patience with people. He always put others first and was willing to help everyone. He was a wonderful father, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. He passed on his bad jokes to all of us and many times we will automatically come out with one of his silly sayings or short songs that only family would understand. He shared his love with us unconditionally. He was a true gentleman.

Alfred Lechner is survived by his son, Richard A. Lechner (wife Gratae), daughter, Patricia Salomon (husband Edward), grandchildren, Christine Barker, William Salomon (wife Moira), Stephen Salomon (wife Shaina), Zachary Salomon, Audrey Lechner, and Aric Lechner, great- grandchildren, Emilia, Philippa, Oliver, Daniel, Calvin, Hollis, Zobey, Azeda, Lio, and Wednesday, along with nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Grace, daughter Donna, and brother Ernest.

A private graveside service will be held at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in East Haddam, CT on November 1, 2025.