Alvin Al John Knapczyk

Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His loving wife Trula O’Deane (Dee) Wright of 60 years was by his side every day in the Hospital, until he left us. Al’s only daughter Kathy drove 400 miles, all night long, to be with him, just in time in his final hour.

Al was born to Polish immigrants John Knapczyk and Anna Maruaz in their home in Cicero, Illinois. Al graduated from Morton East High school, in his hometown of Cicero. He excelled in sports such as gymnastics, swimming, diving and boxing. He attended Morton College to study blue print reading and to expand his trade skills. He completed courses at Washburn Trade School in Chicago as a trim carpenter, learning every phase of the carpentry trade. Al loved working hard as a carpenter and also dabbled in other trades such as plumbing, painting and electrical. As a contractor, he built and remodeled many homes and businesses in the Chicago suburbs. Never ceasing to enjoy his carpentry work, he remodeled his own homes and planned contract work on others homes with his son David. Even in the hospital during his final days, he was planning remodeling work with his son Dave.

While serving in the United States Army, he participated in military boxing and he enjoyed talking about his Army tour in Italy during the Korean War era.

Al enjoyed his hometown’s polish smorgasbords and going to the fish house with his wife in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Al enjoyed desserts, especially ANYTHING chocolate, and always with his pet dogs by his side next to his lounge chair.

A Chicago Cubs fan, he enjoyed the games with his sons. He encouraged his late son Dennis in baseball, in little league to pony league and almost to major league.

He enjoyed talking with his loving sisters and two brothers from Illinois long distance. He enjoyed conversations with his niece Anna on the phone often in the later years.

Al is survived by his loving wife of

60 years, Trula O’Dean (Dee) Wright Sons: Alvin John Knapczyk Jr. of Bolingbrook, IL; Thomas Earl (Dorothy) Knapczyk of Boones Mill, VA; David

Wayne Knapczyk of Fredericksburg, VA; and daughter, Kathleen Knapczyk of Morristown, TN. Al is also survived by his sisters: Rosie, Helen, and Anna, and brothers: Frank and Butch, their families, many nephews and nieces. Al adored his his grandsons John (Myrna) Knapczyk of the Philipines, and Christopher Knapczyk of Villa Park, Illinois and his granddaughters: Annie (Mark) Kenealy of Romeoville, IL; Elizabeth (John Low) Knapczyk of Mokena, IL; Kristen (Travis) Booth of Ferrum VA; Rebekah Knapczyk of Chattanooga, TN and Deborah Knapczyk of Roanoke, VA. Great-grandchildren: Jeon and Calliope Knapczyk, Brittany and Jordan Kenealy, Alyssa Knapczyk, Auston and Bella Low, Matthew Booth and Capri Rusk.

Al was preceded in death by his

third son Dennis Keith Knapczyk, and

Al’s sisters Josephine, Eleanor, Della and Joanne.

Military Army Burial Memorial service will be at 12 Noon, Monday November 25, 2013 at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery located at 20953 Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421 (near Joliet). A dinner in his honor will follow the service.