Charles I. McAlister, 83, of New Bedford died Tuesday March 5, 2002 at home after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Aileen M. (Gracia) McAlister, and son of the late Oregon and Almedea (Johnston) McAlister.

Mr. McAlister was born in Monongahela, Penn., and had lived in New Bedford since 1946.

He was formerly employed by Tilcon Warren as a truck driver until his retirement.

Mr. McAlister served in the U.S. Army during WWII and participated in the Battles and Campaigns of Sicily, the Rhineland, Naples-Foggia and Rome Arno. He was a recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater campaign ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal.

He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 59, a Life Member and Past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrews-Dahill Post 1531, a Member and Past Seam Squirrel of Military Order of Cooties Pup Tent 8, and a former member of Heritage Hill Golf Course.

Survivors include 4 sons, Kenneth McAlister of North Carolina, Wayne McAlister of Fall River, Alan McAlister and Keith McAlister, both of New Bedford; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.He was the grandfather of the late Kelley Ballestrino, and brother of the late Bertram McAlister.

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday March 7, 2002 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial with full military honors will follow in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours Wednesday evening 7-9 PM.