Look about you.

You will see a community whose progress in no small manner reflects the energy, competence and commitments of Alfred S. DeSimone.

His death Tuesday at age 90 deprives our city of a man who made a meaningful difference in Kenosha’s advancement. Yet his impact will extend into the generations.

After graduation from Bradford High School, he was awarded a freshman year scholarship to Carthage College, while it was still located in west central Illinois. His subsequent education included degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University. This background prepared him for his early responsibility as school superintendent in Mattoon, Wisconsin.

“Al was a philanthropist for the entire community,” F. Gregory Campbell, president of Carthage College, remarked. “He was always constructive, forward looking, eager to fulfill his mission. Al threw himself into his work.”

In the 1960s he vigorously pursued the prospect of establishing the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. As time passed he served as a member of the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents for six years. His sensitivity to education was further evidenced when he and his wife, Bernice, donated a $10,000 scholarship fund to Gateway for minority students.

The American State Bank, of which he was a co-founder and director, ultimately became the Kenosha presence of Racine’s Johnson Bank. During those years his reputation as area representative of the Equitable Life Assurance Company brought to him an unending stream of recognitions including the Golden Life Award and his induction into the company’s Hall of Fame.

His impact as past board chairman of the Holy Name Society of Holy Rosary Church and as past president of the former St. Catherine’s Hospital captured the acclaim of both institutions.

“Al was a determined man who worked endlessly when he undertook a project,” Ralph J. Tenuta, chairman of Tenuta’s Delicatessen and Board Chairman of the Johnson Bank in Kenosha noted. “He had humble beginnings and his achievements were the result of hard work. His mission was to make the community a better place in which to live. For him, education was basic.”

A review of the organizations that he served includes positions of leadership in Rotary West, the United Way, the Italian American Society, the Boy Scouts, and the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association and Foundation. There are many others.

A visit to Parkside will reveal that the gymnasium in the field house was named in his honor. He enjoyed athletics. It was rather logical that he became founder of Kenosha Night at the Milwaukee Brewers.

Nor can we forget his service as a member of the City Plan Commission, Neighborhood Housing Services and his dedication to the St. Joseph High School. He chaired a citizens committee in the mid-’70s formed to pass a referendum to build a new Bradford High School. The referendum passed 2-1 after previously being defeated seven times.

“Al was a leader. He was always there when the community needed him,” former Mayor John Antaramian noted. “He was driven to serve others.”

And please remember that this Sunday’s Holy Rosary Sports Night was co-founded by Alfred DeSimone. He was its co-chairman for 45 years.