Albert "Al" Frank Bisci

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of dear Al, on Tuesday Jan 28th, in his 84th year. Al faced a courageous two year battle with pancreatic cancer but didn't let it best him, passing from a heart attack instead. Survived by his loving wife Linda of 36 years of marriage (and 40 year relationship) who was with him at his side throughout his life ending journey. Al is also survived by his daughter Cindy, son Chris and granddaughter Marissa, sister Melina Roth (former Harvey) of Toronto, sister-in-law Shirley Bisci (late Tony) of Hamilton, sister-in-law Mary Cody (late Morris) of Halifax, brother-in-law Jim Enright (Jean) of Hamilton. Al is also survived by niece's, nephews, cousins, relatives in Italy and many friends. Al was predeceased from his parents Duilio (1949) and Elisa (1975), two siblings before his birth: Anthony (stillborn 1921 in Italy) and Milena (1927), older brothers Tony (2000), Aldo (2011) & sister-in-law Betty (2017) of Hamilton, in-laws Lee & Mabel Enright and brother-in-law Michael Enright of Bromont Quebec, and sister-in-law Lucy Quinn (former Dan) of Hamilton.

Al lived a full and interesting life wearing many hats: Outdoorsman, Fisherman, Hunter, Power Squadron boater, Gardener, sports enthusiast (and participant in his youth), political organizer and volunteer among others. He began his adulthood at the tender age of 16 as an apprentice industrial electrician at Dofasco (Cold & Tin Mills). Al earned a reputation that he could fix anything with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver. In one instance he designed a new control panel from scratch which produced "prime" quality tin on its initial production run, unheard of for the time and which made the front page of a trade magazine. Always striving for a better life, Al completed his high school education at night school (Hill Park) and later was the first of his family to earn a university credit (Economics) at MacMaster University. He taught high school electrical classes at night so well that he was offered an opportunity to be a full time teacher. His next adventure was self contracting the building of a family house. He worked everyday after work and on his days off for six months, taking only two days off due to coming close to severe injury from over exertion. Hitting what he considered to be a glass ceiling at work, he gave up the security provided by Dofasco after 21 years of employment and entered into a new career in which he excelled most at -a businessman. Al owned independently or in partnership 5 different variety/food stores in Hamilton including the well-known Mohawk Variety, Penny Pitcher's Discount Foods @ The Pop Shoppe and Lindal Foods & Goods. The latter he established with Linda's support in his senior years, after initially retiring in his 51st year. In his late 70’s he also established wholesale company Lindal Distributors with his son Chris.

Yet given his most interesting life experiences he was in the end, a people person. Al loved his visits to Bromont, Quebec visiting Linda's parents and extended family. He and Linda also spent many years weekending at trailer parks making new additional friendships with neighbours. Al always established new friendships throughout his life. He made friends with people from all walks of life and culture, long before terms diversity and inclusion became subject matter. Further, Al was very proud of his humble upbringing: being born on a farm in Aldershot and growing up in the north-central part of Hamilton where he established friendships lasting 76 years. He would often remark "Not a bum among us".

Al and Linda enjoyed a 4 decade relationship and spent much quality time together. It is in those memories that made life most fulfilling.

The family would like to thank the many health care professionals, administrative staff and volunteers associated with Juravinski Cancer Centre and the same with University of Saskatchewan Hospital in Saskatoon. A special thank you to brother-in-law Jim for so much assistance.

Visitation will be held at the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E. on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Vigil prayers at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 416 Mohawk Rd. E. on Saturday at 10 a.m. with interment to follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Donations to Juravinski Cancer Centre are appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com