Algi R. Koller

Algi Romano Koller 2/23/1939 – 10/27/2011. With his loving wife Suzanne and daughter Lisa at his side, Al passed away at his home in Woodland Hills, California after a ten month battle with cancer. A few weeks ago, Al shared with his wife of forty-five years “It has been the hardest year of my life …but also the best year of my life as well. I have had the opportunity to connect with you, my daughters, grandchildren, son-in-laws, family and friends in a way I never could have dreamed of. The people I loved the most have been with me.” It was with sentiments like this which complemented his positive attitude, his glowing disposition and a zest for life that Al did not surrender without a fight. Strong willed, determined and convicted to enjoy his family during his final days – Al was adamant about remaining lucid and was aware as his other daughters, Carol & Denise, spent time with him just hours before he said goodbye. Al departed on his own terms, in their home of forty years, sharing a myriad of brilliant memories with Suzanne whom he cherished immensely. His girls were took solace in the fact that they were able to express their gratitude for his years of guidance, support, and unconditional love he gave them as father they were so blessed to have.

Born in 1939 in Fiume, Italy (now Rijeka, Croatia) to Carlo and Carolina, Al attended grammar school where he learned Italian and Croatian in a town rich in history which engendered many diverse cultures and languages. Occupied by the Germans in the Second World War, one of Al’s childhood memories was that of his father catching him and his friends smoking the discarded cigarettes of German Officers who rode horses through his town. It was the first time he smoked…and the last time he picked up the bad habit. After the war ended, Fiume’s mercurial border changed (one of many times in history) and was absorbed by Yugoslavia. It was under this new country that Al’s sister Miriam was born in 1946. The running joke within the Koller clan was that each member of his family, although from the same town of Fiume, was born under a different nationality. (Carlo was born under the flag of Austria-Hungary, Carolina under the flag of the Free State of Fiume, Al under the flag of Italy, and Miriam under the flag of Yugoslavia).

Under threat that the border to Italy was soon to be closed, the apprehensive Kollers fled Yugoslavia in 1949 to a refugee camp outside of Naples. Al recalled living quarters that consisted of tents with bed sheets for walls that divided hundreds of displaced families. A common theme that followed Al for most of his formative years, he and his family were forced to adapt to new environments along their journey of uncertainty but an unyielding faith in the hopes that life would become stable, safe and prosperous. After spending six months in the camp where they witnessed despair coupled with moments of hope, they moved to Genoa in 1955 with the help of devoted and caring relatives. While his father applied for visas for his family to enter the United States or Australia (whichever country accepted them first) Al pursued his dream and applied to the Technical Nautical Institute in Genoa. Shortly thereafter, Al was elated when he was accepted to the Institute and completed two years of studies in which he excelled and flourished. However, he had to change plans and steer his life in yet another direction that was reminiscent of the Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.” In 1956, after a long wait, the Koller’s visas were finally accepted and they found themselves on their way to America -- destination…none other than the bright lights soaring skyskrapers of New York City. It was bittersweet for Al as he had his life and career laid out before him. But true to his character, his optimism was rewarded when he learned that the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point was located a stone’s throw from his new hometown. However, after just a few nights in a hotel waiting for instructions from the United States Government as to where exactly the Koller’s home would be, they were informed that New York City was not to be it. Due to a fragile economy and an impending recession, they were moved to Niagara Falls to begin their new life. With little English, a scarce job market, no relatives or friends from the old country, it was yet another difficult move the Kollers had to do on their own. Again Al’s hopes were dashed as he moved farther away from the Academy…but little did he know at the time, closer to his dreams.

After a short spell in Niagara Falls, Carlo moved the family to Buffalo where he connected with an old friend with a job opportunity. When Al’s Italian high school diploma wasn’t accepted in the United States to enter college, he had to attend Grover Cleveland High School where he completed the high school requirements in just over two years and was accepted to the University of Buffalo. It was at Grover Cleveland he met his life-long friend and future best man, Vern Fricano (who also lived across the street from Al in Buffalo). Ironically, even though his Italian education wasn’t accepted nor his hard-earned credits transferable in America, Al certainly was…as a soldier in the U.S. Army. In 1963 he was a drafted, and even though he was not yet a citizen, the fighting Italian was proud to serve his new country. Once again, Al packed his bags and found himself in Fort Carson, Colorado. It was clear that Al saw opportunity in everything life threw at him. He never backed down from any challenge, faced every situation, negative or positive, and constantly adapted and overcame whatever life served up to him. At Fort Carson he was trained as a Radio Specialist. However, like many of the people Al has met over the years, the Base Commander was keen to his sense of humor and congenial nature. Al was the type of guy you wanted to hang out with, have a drink and tell stories. The Base Commander was no different – he ordered Al to become his driver and clerk. (Perhaps having an Italian with suspect English as a Radio Specialist was not in the best interest of National Security. However having an Italian as the Base Commander’s driver, with their rich history of fast race cars and penchant for speed made a lot more sense and saved the Commander time getting from point A to point B). “Meet everyone. Be ready for change. Leave no stone unturned. And be ready when opportunity presents itself.” This was classic Al. It was advice he shared time and time again. On January 11th, 1963 Algi Romano Koller proudly became a United States Citizen and served his beloved nation until 1965. “The Road Not Taken” simply did not apply to Al. Time and time again as “two roads converged”…he “took the one less travelled by…”

After an honorable discharge, Al returned to Buffalo and was hired as a salesman for the iconic McDonald Product company which specialized in high-end office accessories. It was there he developed his sales acumen – always carrying emergency hard candy in his pocket for irritable clients who didn’t want to hear yet another pedestrian sales pitch. He always urged his reports to be memorable. “It’s not who you know. It’s who knows you.” With his broken English improving, Al was affable and charming --always caring and listening to his customers. Never importune, Al was clearly an asset to his company and knew the secret to his success was “Relationships. Relationships. Relationships.” It is known that people buy from those they like. Not only did his customers like Al, they adored him. Many of these customers became clients. And those clients soon became friends.

Within six months, Al proved his mettle and was promoted to the storied Merchandise Mart to head up sales for McDonald Products in Chicago. He accepted the transfer and once again packed the proverbial suitcase for yet another journey in such a young life. It was a move that changed his life forever. A car aficionado, Al was soon spotted in Chicago navigating a Chevy Super Sport convertible with an immaculate white interior and a set of golf clubs in the back seat. The gal whose attention was briefly suspended that day was the soon to be love of his life – Suzanne just didn’t know it yet. Suzanne’s first thought when she spied the dashing Italian with the wind blowing through his blonde locks was “Gosh…what does this guy do?” Although she never saw him swing a golf club for the rest of his life (clearly he didn’t need to and the plan worked), Suzanne was smitten. And so was Al. After a quick courtship, Al knew he didn’t want to wait for this ship to come in. And it true fashion, the romantic swam out to it…proposing in December 1965 and effectively breaking the hearts of many suitors in the Windy City. They exchanged vows in the spring of 1966 and were married in Saint Edmond Catholic Church in Chicago. Al’s best man was Vern Fricano. And to this day remains so.

Al’s first daughter, Lisa, was born in 1967, followed by Carol in 1969. The fledging family enjoyed Chicago until 1971 when yet again another road of opportunity presented itself. Al was offered a promotion to head up sales for McDonald Products in Los Angeles – and with alacrity he accepted the position. The boy from Fiume was now a man on his way to California. On the west coast, Al found a piece of paradise in Woodland Hills. It is said a house does not make a home. And as his family and countless friends would attest, this was not to be a house, but a home which remained a big part (and still does) of who he was for over forty years. Al and Suzanne soon were expecting their first California baby and had the name “Dennis” prepared in anticipation for a baby boy to join their family. This was not to be as they welcomed their third girl and creatively added an “e” to the name—Denise was born in 1976 to complete the Koller trifecta of beautiful daughters. The Italian and Lebanese combination proved to be a perfect mix and would keep Al busy for years to come, dishing out fatherly advice while keeping an eye on the boys who tried relentlessly to date his girls. He had his hands full…and enjoyed every minute of it.

After building a stellar reputation in the Los Angeles architect and design community, Al joined Shelby Williams Industries in 1987. With the premier manufacturer of contract seating in the hospitality world, Al found himself at home. Hospitality is one of the key traits he learned from his parents…and of course as an Italian it is a part of his DNA. He enjoyed nearly 25 years of working with incredible people who today are dear friends. As the Western VP of Sales he was instrumental in growing Shelby Williams’s base of loyal architects and designers who in turn specified Shelby’s products in some of the greatest hotels and restaurants around the world.

At 65 Al could have easily retired and played golf (well maybe not golf). However, after a few months of toiling around the yard and planting flowers he had enough and accepted a VP of Sales positions with JLF in the contract furniture industry. Al still had a Rolodex of relationships and saw a great opportunity in working with Jeffrey Lazar’s company. Like a boxer coming out of retirement, Al wasn’t in it for the money, but for an unbridled love and passion for people and helping being a part of making good companies great. His short time with JLF was illustrious and profitable as he was able to help build the brand and capture some high profile projects based on his relationships and luminous reputation in an industry that has seen many come and go. It is well known that when Al Koller gave you his word. He kept it. He was always honest, fair, and consistent and adored by those he managed…and those who managed him.

“Always end the year with a fabulous meal. Always begin the year with a fabulous meal.” Many were lucky to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with Al where this favorite mantra was eclipsed only by the food he served and created with his convivial partner in the kitchen, Suzanne. He truly was one of kind. A quintessential host and entertainer, his parties were epic and dinners unforgettable. A fixture at the head of table on Deseret Drive, Al shared insights and years of knowledge with his son-in-laws with the obligatory Grappa, Ouzo or Slivovitz always on stand-by ready to lubricate the conversation. Devouring three newspapers a day “To make sure you hear all sides,” Al reveled in discussing politics, the economy, the future of America, and the latest headlines from the Fox Network. While his nine grandchildren raced around their Papa every July 4th firework display, Labor Day barbeque, Thanksgiving shindig, Christmas celebration, New Year’s bash, Easter Egg Hunt, Super Bowl party and countless birthdays and anniversaries, he remained the center of their universe. The grandchildren have fond memories of Papa battling away on the foose-ball table (which he claimed he never played but later was exposed as a veteran), dueling it out on the pin-ball machine or schooling unsuspecting guests at billiards. Al will be missed dearly. From his proclivity for creating world famous ciopinno (and promoting expensive taste buds in his grandchildren) to his delicious prosciutto sandwiches topped with pepprocinis, to the mouth- watering anti-pasta, Al’s culinary expertise not only kept his grandchildren well fed…but ensured that if they couldn’t be 100 percent Italian…at least their stomachs would. And his grandchildren adored him as Papa and Master Chef! His contagious laugh and warm smile that made many feel welcome and instantly at home cannot be replaced. His ability to make a Monday evening feel like a Friday night was pure magic. It is a magic that will be difficult to emulate. But Al would certainly want all of us to give it a shot and take the road “less travelled by…because that has made all the difference.”

Al is predeceased by his father Carlo and mother Carolina.Al is survived by his wife, Suzanne. His daughters Lisa Boolootian, Carol Coleman and Denise Harrington. His son-in-laws Vernon, Sean and John. His grandchildren Gina, Justin, Cassidy, Jake, Savannah, Summer, Cashlin, Ava, Dillon, Tyler and Ryan. His sister Miriam Aqunio. His brother-in- law Tom Aquino. His niece Nicole Gothgen and her husband Peter. His great niece Alyssa Gothgen.

Donations are asked to be sent in Al's name to NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) for their scholarship fund. Please contact Lynda Sullivan at 310-505-9582

Funeral Visitation Tuesday, November 1, 2011 6-9pm Valley Oaks Griffin Mortuary, Chapel of the Oaks

5600 Lindero Canyon Rd. Westlake Village, Ca 91362

Funeral Service Wednesday, November 2, 2011 10:30am St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic

5801 North Kanan Road Westlake Village, CA 91362