Alexander “Al” Metrick, 96 years old, of Boca Raton, FL, passed away peacefully at his home on October 20th, 2020 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lillian Metrick (née Zelaska), a son, Raymond Metrick (fiancée, Linda Cusumano) daughters Lee Ann Willocks (Dave Robinson), Marie McMillian (Joseph Rachel) and Sandra (Rob) Horton.
Al was born in Binghamton, New York on December 12, 1923. He was employed by International Business Machines (IBM) before joining the Army in 1943. He was assigned to the 66th Infantry Division and served in Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. During his tour of duty, he was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAMET Service medal with five (5) campaign service stars, a good conduct medal and a victory medal. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Master Sergeant in 1945 and continued his career with IBM as a design engineer. In 1968, Al moved his family from Johnson City, New York to Boca Raton, FL. After his retirement, he spent his days maintaining the family home in east Boca and enjoyed summer vacations to Chrisann Lake and Heart Lake in Pennsylvania. In 2010, Al and Lillian moved to west Boca Raton to be closer to family. Al could be seen daily, walking around the lake located within their community. He was an avid reader and enjoyed working sudoku and crossword puzzles or sitting on their back patio overlooking the lake and watching the various species of wildlife.
He cherished his eight grandchildren; Leia Mata, A.J. Willocks, Melissa Metrick, Jessica Horton, Amanda Vance, Sam McGowan, Nathan Horton II and Arthur McMillian and he delighted in seeing his eight great grandchildren, ranging in ages 19 years to 2 years old; David Lozada, Zachary Willocks, Dylan Willocks, Jaelyn Lozada, Caleb Vance, Sawyer Vance, Mason Vance and Alice Horton. Al always marveled at what the future could and would hold for his great grand children, knowing how much change he had witnessed during his lifetime.
Al will always be remembered for his genuine smile, caring nature, wonderful sense of humor, never ending library of stories and his love of family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2001 N. Andrews Avenue, Wilton Manors, FL 33311
“May you soar on eagle wings, high above the madness of the world”
Jonathan Lockwood Huie
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