AUBURN – Alfred J. Jalbert, 97, of Auburn, died at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice Services, Auburn, on Saturday, March 17.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1909, in St. Marie Beauce, Quebec, Canada, the son of Gedeon and Celina Drouin Jalbert. Mr. Jalbert moved to this country when he was 15 years old, was educated in Auburn schools and later became an American citizen in 1934.

He studied to be a barber with his brother, and later went on to own and operate Fred’s Barber Shop in Auburn for more than 40 years. When his son J. Paul took over the business, Mr. Jalbert continued to work along side his son till he was well into his 70s.

After retiring from Fred’s, he often made trips to local nursing homes to render his services as a barber. He loved barbering and worked at his trade for more than 45 years.

His main hobby and gift was singing. Well known in local musical circles, he appeared in amateur opera productions in the early 1930s, and was a member of the Orpheon musical group in Lewiston.

He also shared his singing talent in churches, both in Lewiston and Auburn, and with family and friends.

For three years during World War II, he worked the night shift as a welder at Bath Iron Works, while continuing to work at Fred’s Barber shop during the day.

On Aug. 9, 1936, he married the former Gertrude J. Gagnier of Lewiston, and they made their home in Auburn.

He leaves behind his wife of 71 years; beloved children, J. Paul Jalbert of Auburn, Ronald and his wife, Mariette Jalbert, of Freeport, Marc Jalbert of Biglerville, Pa., and daughter, Delina Rosenblad and her husband, Denis Rosenblad, of Scarborough; four grandchildren, John Jalbert, Karen Jalbert, Louise Brogan and Amy Cesar; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Corinne Duperre; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Arthur and Marius Jalbert; and sisters, Juliette Morin, Antoinette Albert, Eva (Blanche) Chasse, Gertrude Fournier and Germaine Martel.