Aloysius Kucala

Aloysius Kucala left us on Oct. 4, 2018 at the age of 87. Al had a great life with many highlights. He absolutely adored his wife Maggie of 66 years, his eyes lit up with every kiss. A love you only see in movies.

Al, as we all knew him, always looked forward to family gatherings. In his mind, the more the merrier. Al and Maggie were blessed with four children, Michelle Burkey (Bruce), Steve Kucala (Leeann), Michael Kucala (Christine), Donelle Kucala, and John Gailey (Kathy); he was a cherished grandfather of seven grandchildren, Casey Fox, Joshua Kucala, Jason Fowler, Jared Kucala, Courtney Lament, Clayton Kucala, Nicole Teasdale; seven great- grandchildren; a loving brother survived by, MaryAnn Allen, Benedict Kucala; brother and sister-in-law, Dale Patterson, Betty Drake and Dorothy Lamont; uncle of numerous nieces, nephews; and other family in both Canada and the U.S. he will be missed by many.

Although Al was a father to four, he was a dad to many. He accepted whomever we drug home. Our house was always full of friends and family and a few of them stayed. Life moves us all in different directions, but our childhood friends still stop by to see them during the holidays. He was an active member of our community. Member of Fairfield Moose Lodge 861# Fraternal Order of Aerie Load Master Retiree Association.

Al loved to travel, RV-ing with the Moose Camper Club, fishing, music especially Rosemary Clooney and gardening! His roses, African violets and orchids were second to none. He and his dogs had a connection only dog lovers can understand. The Oakland A's what a great season! He loved the weekly family dinners at Mary's Pizza Shack, especially his servers Jenna and Heather, where the Mary's staff always made us feel like family. A well lived life is full of memories and there are so many. Dad was not beyond wearing a dress in a fashion fundraiser, pictures are worth a 1000 words so we have billions of moments. Al's sense of humor carried him through life raising his four kids and more; and yes he and we needed it.

Oh and the stuff that made it all possible. His adventures career started early,

At age 15 he went to work for the railroad, two years later at 17 he joined the United States Air force for a long career filled with adventures and milestones; taking him from his family farm/store in St. Cloud, Minnesota eventually landing into Hawaii becoming driver for General Travis; General Travis took Al under his wing and invited him to all holiday meals. While in Montana he met the love of his life, Maggie, making their first home in Tacoma, Washington. When a little more sunshine was needed they were stationed in Hawaii before moving to California.

Al retired as Chief Master Sergeant after 30 years of Military service. While in the Air Force Al traveled the globe working to perfect techniques to safely land cargo planes where no cargo plane had gone before, in places like Antarctica and Greenland. He also participated in the Apollo moon program, transporting astronauts and their modules, which developed into an ongoing pairing with the Navy transporting critical equipment of unusual design and function.

His final mission of note came during the fall of Saigon, following the crash of a C-141 transporting orphans, he was on the team investigating, while facing small arms and artillery fire, they determined the cause of the failure, and he was always prouder of the fact this failure never occurred again than of the courage shown in completing this investigation.

Following his Air Force career, he went to work at Anheuser Busch packaging the King of beers for 16 years

Friends are invited to attend the graveside service with United States Air Force Honors, at 10 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, California.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in honor of Aloysius Kucala to the Fairfield Family Moose Lodge, 623 Taylor St., Fairfield, CA. 94533

Nostravia!