Recently you may have noticed me referencing Al Staufer's books as I commented about NYC steam locomotives. I have at least four of his books about NYC steam. He also wrote about Erie, B&O, and Pennsy power. I just noticed on the Yahoo NYC-Railroad group that he died last month. We have lost another great railroad enthusiast and contributor. "Alvin Staufer, author of many railroad books died last month. His obituary, published 6 November in The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) follows: ALVIN STAUFER, 88, of Medina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 27, 1925, Alvin proudly served his county in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Survived by his wife Marjorie; children Craig (Kathy), Jill, Joan and Eric (Debbie) Staufer; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother Richard (Vivian) Staufer. Family will receive friends for a Memorial Visitation on Friday, November 8, 2013 from 4-8pm at Waite and Son Funeral Home (3300 Center Road, Brunswick 44212). A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Alvin's memory to the Ohio Veterans Home Hospice (3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky 44870). Online condolences may be left at www.waitefuneralhome.com. Very truly yours, John L. Hodson, USMC" Mike
Mike, yes, very sad news. I have "thoroughly" dog-eared his "Thoroughbreds," the Hudson bible. I posted the news of his passing over on the Railfanning Discussions forum. Interesting , when I became a "born again" NYC steam fan I wrote to him and he responded. It was a question about how we might build a Hudson, probably using a Chinese engine shop, as they were still in business then. Al's co-author of Thoroughbreds, Ed May, preceded him in passing by a few years. Another great historian of steam.
