Albert K. Al Axelsen Jr.

Portland - Albert K. Axelsen, Jr., of 73 Bramblewood Drive, formerly of Douglass Street, peacefully passed away on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at the Maine Veterans Home surrounded by his family. He was born in Portland, the son of Albert and Margaret Fuller Axelsen growing up in Libby Town and attended Portland schools.

At the ago of 17, he joined the US Air Force and served as a Firefighter in Crash and Rescue during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in California and served in Greenland. While on leave, he met the love of his life, Pierina DiPietro Axelsen. After a two-week courtship they married on February 23, 1956. They were married for over 46 years until she passed away in 2002.

Albert worked as a Pipefitter for Local 217 and traveled extensively during this time. He was a proud member of the union and advocated for his fellow brothers. He often shared stories of his adventures with his family and left his artistic signature of making bacon on the job.

After his retirement as a Pipefitter, he joined the Portland School Department as a bus driver. Once again he was filled with pride for the work he did and opened his heart to the children who rode his bus. Known as "Big Al" or "Papa Ax", he played music and sang songs with the children, handed out lollipops, provided gifts for Christmas and ensured Santa came along for the ride. Due to his generosity, kindness and commitment, he was awarded a key to the City of Portland by the Mayor.

After leaving the school department, he was a tour guide for the Portland Trolley. He often made the passengers on the bus laugh as he entertained them while sharing stories of the City's history and landmarks.

Al was a devoted husband, father and gave unselfishly to his wife and children. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his family. Whenever his children asked him what he wanted, he simply said, “Just a kind word and a friendly smile.” When his boys started playing sports, he helped with building Little League Five. He coached, umpired, or simply gave a helping hand to a young child. He made sure that no child was left out and had equipment needed to play the sport. Once again, Big Al opened his heart to his own children and the children of Bayside and Munjoy Hill.

His generosity went beyond Little League. Whether it was handing out $5 bills at the Bayside Soup Kitchen or playing Santa for the mentally challenged or giving toys at Christmas time for Toys for Tots, he always gave.

He will also be remembered for his courage. One of his sons recalls driving down the road with the family and Al saw a child in a burning building on Congress Street. Al stopped the car and went into the burning building and saved the child.

Generosity, courage, and dedication were not his only traits. He had a tremendous artistic ability and shared this gift with his family. In the fall, his children and grandchildren could count on receiving beautifully painted pumpkins with silly faces on their door stoops for Halloween. A sticky apple was soon to follow. He also painted window displays in downtown Portland.

He was a communicant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, a member of the Eagles, Elks, VFW, Paul Malia Post and the Italian Heritage Center. He enjoyed going to Hampton Beach and Fort Williams with his late wife and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, listening to country music, hunting and watching his favorite baseball team, The Yankee's. After his wife passed away his children gave him a treasured gift, his dog, Boo. Boo became a trusted companion who brought Al much happiness.

Al is survived by three sons: Mark and his wife Cindy; Albert K., III; Richie J. and his wife Mary Axelsen all of Portland; two daughters: Lisa and her husband Michael Joyce; Mary M. and her husband David Walton, all of Portland; a sister, Donna and her husband David Berry of Westbrook; ten grandchildren: David and wife Kelly Walton; Mark and his wife Nicole; Amanda Axelsen; Gina and her husband Tony Kostopoulos; Albert Axelsen, IV; Janessa M. Axelsen; Michael and fiancé Carly Smith; John Joyce; Vanessa and her husband Mike Robinson, Jenna Rawding. Nine great-grandchildren: Gabe, Mark, Lucy, Rocky, Isaiah, Eliana, Camden, Cacen, and Michael; his brother-in-law Carmine DiPietro and sister-in-law Peggy Axelsen. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Axelsen.

Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Monday June 27, 2011 from 4 to 8PM at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street. Prayers will be recited Tuesday June 28, 2011 at 9AM at the funeral home to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Interment with Military Honors will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. If so desired, contributions may be made in his memory to: Preble Street Soup Kitchen, 5 Portland St, Portland, Me 04101. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Al's guestbook.