Earl Lester Aldrich, Jr. went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 2, 2025. He was born on December 27, 1950, in Jamesport, Long Island, New York. Earl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Peggy; two sons, Benjamin (June) and Daniel; four grandchildren, Mason, Faith, Ashleigh and Tina; two great-grandchildren, Aidan and Isabel. He is predeceased by his parents, Earl, Sr. and Cynthia Aldrich, and his brother Samuel.
Earl’s family moved to Florida in 1954. He grew up in Winter Park, then in Ocoee. He was graduated from Evans High School in 1969. After high school, Earl attended Florida Technological College, which is now the University of Central Florida. It was during his second year of college that he joined the United States Navy, where he served for five years. He was first stationed at the Navy Base Long Beach, California in 1971, which is where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
Earl served during the Vietnam War, where he received a Commendation from Admiral Clary, Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, for his bravery during the Battle of Dong Hoi on April 21,1972. He was a proud member of the crew of the USS Higbee (DD806) which was hit by a 500-pound bomb dropped by a fighter plane. The bomb landed on the ship approximately 10-feet from where Earl stood during General Quarters. HE DID NOT MOVE FROM THAT SPOT, even when being strafed by enemy pilots. Earl was credited with saving the lives of many of his crewmates during that battle. Earl was later stationed on the USS Sarsfield (DD837), which took Earl to many ports in Europe and North Africa. He served with distinction and honor and held the respect of his crewmates, the officers, and his commander.
Earl married his beloved Peggy on March 24, 1978. They went on to raise two wonderful sons, Benjamin and Daniel. Earl worked in the commercial plumbing industry for many years, until he became disabled as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Earl lived through several cancer diagnoses, as well as other significant health issues, for the past twenty-four years. Earl never gave up hope and continued to fight to live until the very end.
Earl loved his Lord, his Peggy, his boys and his grandchildren with a never-ending love. They were with him throughout his long journey and by his side when he left. Surely, when he arrived in Heaven, Earl did these three things: First, he embraced Jesus and then knelt at His feet to worship Him; second, he embraced his parents and brother; third, he rounded up some of Jesus’ Disciples and went fishing. He is healed. He is whole. He is happy. He is walking!!! His pain is gone! We who are left behind grieve for our loss, but we also REJOICE for Earl. HE IS WAITING FOR US!
A Celebration of Life, including Military Honors, will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 2:00 PM at the Hacienda Village Clubhouse. The address is 280 W. LaVista Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708. Friends and neighbors are invited to share this special time with the family as we honor a good man, our Beloved husband, dad, and Pepaw. Pastor Herb Long of CrossLife Church in Oviedo will officiate. Banfield Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Earl Lester Aldrich, Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
Upcoming Events
Celebration Of Life
8
Mar
280 W. LaVista Drive
Winter Springs, FL 32708
