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Alwin K. Milch Jr., age 96, of Marshfield, died on April 4, 2026, at home in Marshfield surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Boston, MA, he was the beloved husband of the late Mary P. (King). He was the devoted father of Regina Burns and her husband Thomas of Hingham, James Milch of Saugus, and Heidi Zukowski and her husband Steven of Middleboro. He was the brother of the late Edward Milch and Leona McFarland. He was also a cherished grandfather to Justin and Scott Burns, Daniel and Kayla Milch, and Gehrig and Kaylee Zukowski, and a proud great-grandfather to Jack and Blake Burns.
Alwin attended Boston Technical High School, where he began to develop the strong work ethic and practical skills that would serve him throughout his life. After graduating from high school and working for one year as a teacher’s aide at Boston Tech, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served honorably, with the last year of his service taking place during the Korean conflict. After his discharge, he took advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled in the UMASS Amherst School of Engineering, where he pursued his education with determination and purpose.
Following his graduation, Alwin built a long and respected career as a structural engineer. He worked for 35 years in the field, including the last 25 years with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. His colleagues knew him as a dependable and knowledgeable professional who took pride in doing his work well. For several years, he also served as either Vice President or Treasurer of the MBTA Engineers and Draft Person Union, where he contributed his time and leadership to the benefit of his fellow workers.
Alwin was deeply involved in the lives of his children and took great joy in their activities. He coached for many years during the early years of Milton Youth Hockey, and he also coached girls’ softball and summer little league in Milton. He was the kind of father and coach who showed up, offered encouragement, and made a lasting impression on the young people around him. His steady presence and willingness to help were part of what made him so admired by family and friends alike.
He was truly a jack of all trades and was equally adept at plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and auto mechanics. He was often found working on some do-it-yourself project around the home or on a vehicle, and he took satisfaction in being able to fix, improve, and build things with his own hands. His practical nature and resourcefulness were matched by a strong sense of independence and pride in a job well done.
Alwin remained physically active throughout his life. He played softball and ice hockey into his sixties, golfed until the age of 80, and bowled in a league into his early 90s. His energy, determination, and love of competition stayed with him for many years and were a testament to the vigor with which he lived his life. He especially enjoyed following the sports he loved, and he was a lifelong Boston sports fan. He had a particular fondness for the Bruins, the Red Sox, and the Patriots, and he also closely followed UMASS football and hockey.
Alwin K. Milch Jr. will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He lived a full and active life marked by service, hard work, family devotion, and a genuine appreciation for the simple things that bring people together. His memory will remain a source of comfort and pride to those who knew and loved him.
Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home 326 Granite Ave Milton Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral service at the funeral Home Thursday morning April 9th at 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Milton Cemetery.
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