Albert Joseph Kupris, Sr.

Albert Joseph Kupris Sr., 78, of Sherman, died at 6:35 p.m. on Monday, January 7, 2008, at Heritage Manor in Springfield. He was born April 12, 1929 in Springfield, the son of Albinas G. and Vincenta Julia (Machelich) Kupris. On June 29, 1968, he was united in marriage to Rita Reisinger at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Albert attended St. Joseph's grade school and was a 1947 graduate of Cathedral Boys High School. He served his country in the US Army from January 5, 1951, until October 4, 1952, attaining the rank of Corporal. From his service during the Korean Conflict, he earned his Combat Infantry Badge, UN Medal, Korean Service Medal and a bronze star. He worked as an assembler for Sangamo Electric Company for 31 years and at Cilco as a meter reader for over 15 years. Albert was a former member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and active in the Lithuanian American Club of Central Illinois. A musician, Al had played the violin and concertina at area weddings and events in his earlier years. He was also an avid Yankees fan. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Kathryn Kupris. Albert is survived by his wife: Rita of Sherman; one son: Albert J. Kupris Jr. (wife Kelly) of Bayonne, NJ; and cousins in the U.S. and Lithuania. Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL. Funeral Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2008 at St. Joseph Church, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Holinga celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph School Scholarship, 1345 N. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62702; The Korean War Memorial Fund, c/o Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument Ave., Springfield, IL 62702; Lincoln Land Community College CNA Scholarship, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL 62794 or the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County, c/o Matt Gilmour, 913 Westview Dr., Springfield, IL 62704. Those wishing to extend their sympathy with a gift of food are kindly asked to take the item(s) directly to the Sullivan House (at St. Joseph Church), 1300 N. 5th, Springfield, the morning of the funeral Mass.