Commander Nathan L. Astelford 1938-2012
Commander Nathan L. Astleford, USN (ret.) the Senior Warden at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Indio, died at his Palm Desert home on Saturday, March 17, 2012. He was 73.
His death was confirmed by his wife Helen E. Astleford, (nee Lindgren) who announced her husband died of pulmonary fibrosis and COPD.
Born in Brownsville, Pa., he graduated from California University of Pennsylvania in California, Pennsylvania with a BA degree in the Science of Education, followed by graduation from Naval Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College and did graduate work at USIU in San Diego.
His personal military awards include the Bronze Star with Combat V, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 gold stars and the Joint Commendation Medal and the US Navy Commendation Medal with gold star. Following his retirement, he worked in the construction equipment business.
Commander Astleford and his wife relocated from San Diego to Palm Desert in 2009, when he became active at St., John’s Episcopal Church.
Living in San Diego he also served as a Senior Warden of Christ The King Episcopal Church in Alpine, and as a member of the Diocesan Council of the San Diego Episcopal Diocese.
He is predeceased by his parents, Clelia and Joseph Astleford of Brownsville, Pa. Always active in his church, he was a boy soprano in the choir at Christ Church.
Besides his wife Helen, he is survived by sons: Patrick of Escondido; Michael of San Diego; brothers: Joseph, Terry and Kerry, and four grand-children: Nathan, Briana, Rebekah and Michel.
Friends will be received in the KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, 71 Pennsylvania Avenue, Uniontown, Pa. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 3 to 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to go directly to the CHRIST CHURCH 319 Church Street in Brownsville, Pa. on Friday, March 30, 2012 for a 1:00 p.m. Funeral Service with Rev. Keith Pozzuto officiating.
Interment follows at LaFayette Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by AMVETS, Post 103, Hopwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church 45319 Deglet Noor Street, Indio 92201 or to the Pulmo-nary Fibrosis Foundation 811 Evergreen Avenue, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60642 or by phone 888-733-6741.