Paul Allen Alfieri

On Thursday, January 6, 2022, retired Commander, USN, Dr. Paul Allen Alfieri, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at age 74.

Paul was born on June 13, 1947 in Tampa, FL to Paul, a school teacher and Ruth (née Nichols) a nurse.  Paul was a high school athlete and scholar, providing him the opportunity that would forever change the trajectory of his life: appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Ensign Alfieri graduated from the Academy in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Paul went on to flight school in Pensacola, FL. and then on to fly helicopters for the Navy.  He served with distinction, flying supply and rescue missions off the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War.

Upon returning from the war, Paul was assigned to officer recruiting duty in North Carolina. Lieutenant Alfieri attended the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterrey, CA, receiving his Masters in Aeronautical Engineering.  This was followed by what would help define Paul’s life and his passion for education: he spent the next three years teaching undergraduates at the Naval Academy. From there he was assigned to engineering and project management leadership roles for Naval Air Systems Command:  first in Patuxent River, MD then at the Pentagon and Crystal City, VA.  During this time Paul received his second Master’s in Business from George Washington University. Commander Alfieri retired from the Navy and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1989.

After the Navy, Paul worked as a defense contractor before beginning his second career in the service of his country as a professor at the Defense Acquisition University. In 1998, Paul completed his Ed. D in Education from Virginia Tech. Dr. Alfieri spent the next 25 years as a Professor and Department Chair of the Test and Evaluation Department.  While at DAU, Paul was selected to and graduated from the prestigious Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), where he received his third Master’s degree in 2006.  In 2018 Dr. Alfieri was inducted into the Defense Acquisition University Hall of Fame. Citing his achievements, the award closes with “…Dr. Alfieri’s achievements have played a key role in the acquisition training of a generation of T&E professionals”

Paul was married for 50 years to Janice (née Marks). They enjoyed a lifetime of family, fun, and travel with their daughter Amy, son-in-law Matt, and three beautiful granddaughters.  He was a longtime resident of Alexandria, VA and a lifelong fan of the Naval Academy Midshipman football team, season-ticketholder to the end; a member of Fairlington United Methodist Church; and a member of the Old Dominion Boat Club.

Kind. Thoughtful. Smart. Generous. Just of few of the words that describe Paul.  The world is a better place for having had him in it…and we are better for having known him and now having him in our memories.

Paul is survived by his wife Jan; his daughter, Amy and her family; his brother Wayne and his family; and all those fortunate enough to have known him. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 12th, 2022 at the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD at 10:30 a.m.  Donations in his memory may be sent to Fairlington United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA https://fairlingtonumc.org/