- Date Of Birth: April 25, 1949
- Date Of Death: February 23, 2021
- State: Indiana
It is with the heaviest, most grateful heart that we are sharing the news that Al’s spirit separated from his body yesterday. It was a peaceful ending to a 5 year brave battle with cancer with his wife, Sue, and daughters, Mandy and Karma, holding his hands to usher him to the other side. It was as beautiful as it was tragic.
We are so glad to have been able to say our final goodbyes and tell funny stories and kiss him and tell him a hundred times over how much he is and always will be loved by us and so many. Those that know Al will understand what a loss that the world is experiencing now. He was one of the most genuine, thoughtful, generous, kind, funny, sweet men we will ever have the privilege of knowing, and we were the luckiest ladies in the world to call him our husband and dad.
Most of his professional career was spent working at G.E. and H&C Insulation. He loved watching sports (BOILER UP!!!) and playing volleyball, could talk about cars, and “guy things”… but he also loved babies, dogs (big ones at least), supporting Mandy and Karma in show choir at every contest in high school and never held back on his wonderful embracing hugs and supportive, kind words. He taught us masculinity can (and should) include sensitivity and was the perfect epitome of both.
He had an appreciation for art and a deep respect for nature and was the best listener. His story telling skills were unparalleled and he could make the most boring subject seem interesting. He was stubborn as hell, which was sometimes good, and sometimes not. He knew no stranger and always stuck up for the little guy and cheered for the underdog (unless they were playing against Purdue). He was fiercely protective of those he loved and would do anything for them. He loved a good beer, or gin and tonic and playing cards. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing those he loved. He definitely had a silly side that he didn’t always share, but was always lingering.
Our cottage at Lake George was his happy place and one that he made a happy place for our whole family. He was a father figure to many people in his life and a wonderful father-in-law to Mike. He was also the best grandpa to Sabrina and Charlotte and gave them his whole heart. We don’t think he knew how to say no to them.
Al and Sue were high school sweethearts and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. Their love was inspiring to all who witnessed it. He was a special, beautiful soul and although we can’t imagine not seeing his sweet face in this life again or feel his loving arms, we know his spirit is now infused in the hearts of all whose lives he touched and he will never truly be far away. We will carry him and his love always. So, cheers to Al, Alan, Papa, Daddy, Butch and enjoy the journey! Thanks for all the love you gave.
