Albert Lee Rich

Albert Lee Rich, age 82 of Huntsville, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023, evening at his home under hospice care. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on September 27, 1941. Al graduated from Snowden Township High School, Pennsylvania, in 1959.  After high school, he continued his education by earning an Associate’s Degree in drafting from Penn State’s McKeesport extension, then continued studying at the Penn State main campus in State College, PA where he would earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1965. During his time in school, Al earned extra money playing the accordion for the CW Ranch Boys, a local wedding band. 

Just prior to graduating from Penn State, Al married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Alberta Drexler, on September 5, 1964, in Library, PA.  After graduation, Al and Pat moved to Kittanning, PA, where he got a job working for PPG Industries. By 1968, Al became fed up with the cold winters in Pennsylvania and jumped at the chance to work at the new PPG plant in Huntsville.  Al and Pat have been residents of Huntsville ever since their escape from Pennsylvania.

Al was a generous person, who would always help others with anything they needed. In Kittanning, he and a friend contributed a great deal of their time, each year, collecting and repairing used toys and bikes to donate to underprivileged children for Christmas. In Huntsville, he was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club. During his time with Kiwanis Club, he would help raise money for the Salvation Army, build ramps for Habitat for Humanity, and help with many other causes. 

Al is survived by his wife; Patricia, two children, Albert Michael Rich and wife Lorrie Ann and Kristin Marie Berryman, and husband Aaron Rantz; sister; Anita Rich Thornburg, three wonderful grandchildren, favorite "and only" granddaughter, Deanna Grace Berryman, and two grandsons; Luke Patrick Berryman and Mathis Lee Rich.

The family will receive friends Friday at 9:30 am at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church, with Mass to follow at 10:30am.  A reception will follow after Mass. Al never liked dressing up for things "we never heard the end of the shoes he had to buy for his son’s wedding" and especially hated wearing ties, so casual attire is more than appropriate and leave the ties at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity, in honor of Al’s generosity to so many different people and causes.

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