Alfonso Studesville Jr.

Lifelong Community Activist and Educator
Madison - Alfonso (Al) Studesville, Jr., 67, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 in rural Texhoma, Texas along with his wife, as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident, while traveling to see the Grand Canyon. He was best known for his gregarious personality, his deep rich voice and infectious laugh. He regularly used and lived by the phrase, "I will match energy with energy" and was driven in service to education and economic opportunities.

He was born on January 9, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, son of Alfonso, Sr. and Margaret (Hall) Studesville. Al was a life-long resident of Madison and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Masters in Counseling. He was married to Janet (Barry) Studesville for almost four decades. They had one son, Eric. He and his wife Staci have two children, Sydni Simone (8) and Eric Alfonso, Jr. (8 months) whom Al and Jan adored.

Al was a Student Services Career Counselor at Madison College (formerly MATC). He and Jan owned Just Nails Studios and Just Nails Training Center in Fitchburg. He also served as member of the South Central Work Force Development Board and Rapid Response Team, Back to School program, GALA Fund Raising Event, College Challenge Bowl, and Mentoring Programs for 100 Black Men of Madison. He was a member of the Small Business Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Department of Licensing and Regulation, MATC Liaison to Corporation, Business, Industry and Trade, MATC Recruiter for adults, displaced workers and alternative programs, member of the Madison College Recruiter for Recruitment and Retention Committee, High School Counselor Relations, a liaison to School to Work Council and Programs, and member of the Madison College Small Business Board.

Prior to joining Madison College, Alfonso was employed by Wisconsin Power and Light (now known as Alliant Energy) as a Sales Manager. He was a teacher and counselor at Madison East High School for nine years and the program director for the South Madison Neighborhood Center (now known as the Boys and Girls Club).

Al began a life of community service at the age of 12 when he joined the Jr. NAACP. He belonged to numerous community groups and professional organizations including the NAACP Education Committee, Urban League and Charles Hamilton Houston Institute. Recently he was selected to serve as the Executive Vice President of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute to prepare youth for economic independence by focusing on self-esteem, health, academic achievement, study skills, work skills, service to others and citizenship. He received many awards including the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award.

Al is survived by his son, Eric (Staci) Studesville and grandchildren, Sydni and Eric, Jr. of Lone Tree, CO; brothers, Larry (Jan Hamik) Studesville of Madison, Orlando Studesville of New York, NY and Donald Studesville of Madison; father-in-law, Dr. George Barry of Madison; brothers-in-law, Richard (Trish) Barry of Middleton and Don Barry (Teiko Saito) of Alexandria, VA; sister-in-law, Carol (Don) Bloom of LaCrosse and his maternal uncle, John (Dorothy) Hall of St. Louis, MO. Al and Jan also leave behind many friends and associates who will miss them dearly. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso, Sr. and Margaret (Hall) Studesville and mother-in-law, Kay Barry.
Visitation for both Al and Jan will be at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14. A celebration service for both will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, in the MITBY THEATER at MATC, 1701 Wright Street, Madison, with Pastor Alex Gee officiating. The family suggests that visitors wear attire to reflect a colorful celebration of life in the true spirit of Al and Jan.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Al and Jan Studesville Memorial Fund, which will be used to continue support for educational opportunities and scholarships for students in Madison.

Donations can be made online at www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=BQY53X663AA7J&lc=US&item_name=Al+and+Jan+Studesville+Memorial+Fund&item_number=0529&currency_code=USD&bn=PP-DonationsBF%3Abtn_donateCC_LG.gif%3ANonHosted

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