Emmet Michael Alphonse, Sr.

Emmet Michael Alphonse Sr., 96 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025 in his home on James Island.

Born on December 7, 1928, in Charleston, SC, Emmet was a son of the late Blanche (Tisdale) Alphonse and Francis Charles Alphonse.

Emmet grew up on Maple Street in downtown Charleston. Summers were often spent outdoors, where neighborhood games of half rubber filled the days—Emmet quickly earned the title “King of the Maple Street players.” His love for sports carried through his youth and beyond. At Bishop England High School, he played quarterback and was affectionately known as the “Galloping Ghost,” a nickname that reflected both his speed and spirit. He also played American Legion baseball and later became an avid league bowler at Triangle Lanes.

After high school, Emmet built a long and respected career as a salesman with Cameron and Barkley, where his easy smile and genuine nature made him as memorable to customers as to his coworkers.

Faith and community were cornerstones of his life. A devout Catholic, Emmet was a dedicated member of the Church of the Nativity on James Island, where he served faithfully as an usher and sacristan for his regular Saturday Mass. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #6250, reflecting his lifelong commitment to faith, fellowship, and service.

When he wasn’t at church or with family, you could often find Emmet at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course—walking 18 holes, sharing stories over coffee on the porch, or simply enjoying the company of friends. His enthusiasm for sports remained lifelong, especially his unwavering devotion to Notre Dame Football. He rarely missed a game, and some of his fondest memories were the trips he and his son, Michael, took to see the Fighting Irish play in person.

Emmet’s life was marked by faith, friendship, and a love for both play and purpose. He will be remembered not only for his athletic spirit and humor, but for the quiet kindness and steadfast heart he brought to everyone who knew him.

Emmet is preceded in death by Francis Alphonse (Father), Blanche Alphonse (Mother), Francis “Al” Alphonse (Brother), Nicki Heslop Alphonse (Sister-in-law), Maryellen Gunter (Niece), Lois Vanderburg (Mother-in-law), and James Taylor (Brother-in-law).

Emmet is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kitty (Markwalter) Alphonse; son, Emmet Michael Alphonse, Jr. (Jennifer); granddaughter, Eliza M. Alphonse; his sisters-in-law, Margaret Taylor and Terry Vanderburg Cutrell (Jeff); brother-in-law, Chuck Vanderburg (Pam) and many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, November 14, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation – James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

The Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. The burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412. A reception will follow in the Nativity Parish Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Nativity- 1061 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412 and James Island Outreach- 1860 Camp Road, Charleston, SC 29412 or jioutreach.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to James Island, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, (phone).