Obituary
On December 9, 2021, at age 72, following a 3-month journey marked by courage and good humor, Al peacefully passed away, probably, we suspect, to prevent having to watch the Browns miss another Superbowl. Predeceased by his parents, Albert A. and Flora Picciotti Altobello. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sally (Schneider); devoted and beloved children, Monica (Tom) Middeker, Mark, Jay (Jenette Mistretta) and Jill (Stephen Henry); cherished grandchildren, Jessica Tanney, Karin Middeker, Sydney and Ethan Altobello, and ChrisAnne, Trevor, AllyLou and Caila Ross, and sister, Marie Laveck; loving nieces, nephews, and friends, and a heck of a lot of stuff his wife and children have no idea what to do with.
Al met the love of his life, Sally, who was fooled into thinking he was a charming individual with decorum. Funny! But in marrying her, he became the luckiest man in the world. And what’s not to love about a man who loved his children and grandchildren…almost as much as he loved the Yankees, Notre Dame football, a cold Yuengling, and music? Al had a song for everything.
Born in Rochester, NY, he was an outstanding athlete in baseball, soccer (All-County), and wrestling. He received his B.S. in Psychology and History from the University of Rochester, and his M.S. in Education from SUNY Brockport. After a 25-year career at Xerox, he became a 7th/8th grade social studies teacher and baseball coach. He loved teaching his students who made him laugh every day—which tells you something about his sense of humor.
To know Al was to know his smile, quick wit, twinkle in his eye, sense of humor, and love of life. It was to know the life of the party, to know you’ll drink a beer with him, listen to great music, and laugh. To know him was to know his athleticism as he played softball and basketball well into his 60’s and golf into his 70’s. To know him is to know he liked four letter words as much as he loved his sports, beer, music and grandchildren.
We will celebrate Al’s life at Hidden Lakes Golf Club on January 8 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wear your shorts, your favorite tee shirt (unless it’s a Red Sox shirt) and your dancing shoes. We will have an “Al style” celebration.
In lieu of flowers, Al asked that you raise a glass in his memory and to do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in need. Due to his love for children, Al requests any donations be sent to St. Jude’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105), or due to the exemplary compassion he received from Halifax Hospice (3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129,) they would benefit from your donations.
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