Allen J. Lama

Allen J. Big Al Lama, 62, of Thurston Avenue, Newport, passed away unexpectedly at home on Thursday, September 10, 2009.A lifelong resident of Newport, he was born on September 3, 1947 to Joseph and Allena Peabody Lama.Al was past City Union President for the City of Newport and had been employed with the city for over 40 years retiring in 2007 as Senior Maintenance Mechanic for the Newport Water Department. In addition to being a very active member of the city union, Al was a member of the National Rifle Association and was an avid gun collector. He also enjoyed photography, reading, smoking cigars and being with family, especially his granddaughter, Taylor.He is survived by his son, Thomas P. Lama of Newport; his daughter, Margaret D. Lama of Portsmouth; his sister, Lois Lama of Naples, FL; three grandchildren, Taylor Lama Henderson of Middletown, Allen Thomas Lama of Blythe, CA, and Garrad Lama of Portsmouth; and two great-grandchildren, Kirsten and Tristen Lama, both of Blythe, CA.Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.Funeral services will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 222 Richmond Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903.