Alex Nicholas Laba

Alex Nicholas Laba (“Al”), 93, passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2025, surrounded by his children and his devoted wife of 66 years, Kathleen. Born on January 2, 1932, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Alex was the youngest of eight children of Ukrainian immigrants, Dmytro and Katherine Laba. After graduating from Bayonne Technical High School in 1949, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably as a military policeman in Germany before beginning a long career with Western Electric (AT&T Technologies), where he worked for more than three decades. A job transfer brought Alex and Kathleen to Atlanta in 1963, where they built a full and vibrant life rooted in family, faith, and community.

Alex met the love of his life, Kathleen, on the Jersey Shore, and together they raised five children in Chamblee, GA, who remained the center of his world. A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, Alex lived his faith through service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those around him. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives—coaching soccer and basketball, serving as a Scout leader, and helping to establish the Blackburn Recreation Soccer League. A lifelong runner, he completed the Peachtree Road Race several times as well as the Atlanta Marathon, inspiring his children to lace up their own running shoes. Even after his running days were behind him, he found joy in the art of yoga and tai chi.

Creative, inquisitive, and always hands-on, Alex poured his energy into a wide array of hobbies. He was a talented sketch artist and stained-glass craftsman, an avid gardener, a passionate traveler, a dessert connoisseur, and a lover of history and genealogy. He delighted in spirited conversations about politics and religion, always ready to engage with humor, conviction, and an open mind. He was an incredibly curious person and you’d never leave his presence without answering a lot of questions!

Above all, Alex was a devoted grandfather, known as “Pop” to his grandchildren. Nothing brought him more joy than cheering from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, attending their plays and award ceremonies, and encouraging them in their education, passions, and growth. His support and pride in them were boundless.

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Laba, and their children: Billy Laba of Tallahassee, FL; Clair Laba Ragans (Cullen) of Havana, FL; Joe Laba of Raleigh, NC; Francis Laba (Anne) of Chamblee, GA; and Dennis Laba (Lauren) of Chamblee, GA, many grandchildren (8) and great-grandchildren (2). His legacy of creativity, curiosity, and steadfast dedication to family will continue to live on through them and through all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 20th, at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1350 Hearst Dr NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319. Al and Kathleen Laba are lifelong donors and supporters of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al’s name to Georgia’s St. Vincent de Paul Society.