Alphonzo A. Britt

Retired PA Narcotics Officer as well as Dauphin County Sheriff, Alphonzo A. Britt, age 94, of Steelton, PA, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Al was born in Norfolk, VA, though most of his life was spent in Steelton, PA. Raised here from youth, he grew to find his life’s calling as a husband, father, friend, musician and law enforcement officer. His mother moved to Harrisburg, PA, with his brothers in the 1940’s. He is a graduate of the public school system including Harrisburg High. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from service, he attended Gannon College in Erie, PA, and Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, as well as earning an associate degree in law enforcement and criminal justice from Temple University. Al began his law enforcement career with the PA Office of the Attorney General. Al was affectionately known as “Money” around the law enforcement community due to the large knot of money he would carry in his pocket. After a brief retirement, he returned to law enforcement with Dauphin County Sheriff's Department for 13 years earning rank of Sergeant. His 30+ years of law enforcement was his life’s passion and the vitality of his spirit and tireless work ethic are reflected in the countless awards and commendations that drape the walls of his home. Skilled at playing the saxophone since the age of 10 and teaching himself to read music, he made a name for himself throughout the musician’s community. During his early years of working in law enforcement, he played jazz saxophone professionally. Alphonzo played with R&B and jazz greats, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and Billy Eckstine. Later, he formed his own jazz bands and while playing at a particular club in Harrisburg, PA, he met a beautiful lady sitting in the audience finger popping to his bebop rhythm. Several years later in 1960 he would marry this wonderful woman, the late Mabel “Billie” Britt. Soon after he received several offers by other jazz bands to join them on tour. He refused this superstar opportunity due to starting a family and preferred to stay close to home. On April 29, 1963, a beautiful baby girl was born. Putting his professional music career behind, he continued to play his saxophone for small local gigs, family and friends, and the occasional house guest. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and avid rider with long standing membership in the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club of active & retired law enforcement officers who enjoy riding motorcycles. He was a member of Nimrod Consistory #9, 32˚ Mason, PA Friends of Jazz, Harrisburg Musical Association, Local 269, American Federation of Musicians and countless others. After the passing of Billie Britt, he was blessed again to fall in love with longtime friend, Florentina Gentry, making her family our family. She was with him when he passed. He was preceded in death by his mother Lorraine Clements; brothers Vernon Clements and Randy Colden; and his beloved wife of 37 years, Mabel “Billie” Britt. He leaves to cherish his memory: caring and loving daughter, Geneen Britt-Mitchell of Steelton; daughter-in-law, Monique Mitchell; loving common-law wife, Florentina Gentry; stepdaughter, Ruby Doub; step-son-in-law Michael Doub; step-grands, Steven Crummel and Chelsea Doub; and sister-in-law, Ruby Colden. Al and Billie also had a special bond with “like daughters” Romaine Beth Brown and Lucinda “Cindy” Parker (in their own words, “no one will ever understand how much they meant to us”); along with a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. He was a true mentor and friend to many in the community. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to: Amedisys Foundation 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816 FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Alphonzo A. Britt

October 12, 1928 - March 26, 2023