Albert M. Souckar

Al Souckar, a 70-year resident of Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2023 at the age of 95. He was born in 1927 in Pawtucket, RI to Syrian immigrant parents, Michael and Annie Souckar. He is survived by his three children Mary Theresa and her husband Doug Kraft, Catherine and her husband Ray Daley, and Monsignor Michael Souckar, and three grandchildren Steven and his wife Stephanie Kraft, Emily Kraft, and Caitlyn Daley; along with his sister Gloria Toye and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Al is predeceased by his wife Najlie (nee Albert) Souckar after 54 years of marriage, and sisters Mary Ann Bonich and Florence Gannage.

In 1945. at the age of 17, Al enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and served in the South Pacific. After the war, Al moved to Fort Lauderdale to help his cousins with their newly opened restaurant Doumar's. This started Al's legendary career in hospitality which included managing the Fort Lauderdale Country Club and then in 1959 opening his popular sports-themed bar The Lincoln Lounge. Regulars included locals, tourists, and NY Yankee baseball players down for spring training. Al was one of the first to sponsor charter bus service to Miami Dolphin home games, including the 1972 "perfect season." His was also one of the first bars to try out a new beer called Miller Lite. After selling his bar, Al worked at William Thies & Sons for 17 years.

Once retired, Al volunteered for 24 years at Holy Cross Hospital logging over 6,500 volunteer hours. Ever devoted to his Catholic faith, Al attended Mass at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church since its establishment in 1960 and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He was a 75-year member of the Knights of Columbus and proud that, during a trip to Italy, he had a private audience with Saint Pope John Paul II. He also enjoyed meeting his buddies and fellow veterans each Thursday at the American Legion Hall to share stories and a cold beer.

Services will be held at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway on Friday, June 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a Vigil Service at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Oakland Park on Saturday, July 1, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at a later date at South Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Albert M. Souckar to Southeast Florida Honor Flights (Post Office Box 1503, Stuart, FL 34995). honorflightsefl.org

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Albert, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com