Alfred Max Kropat

Alfred Max Kropat, known by many as “Al , “Gunslinger”, or “Big Al” was always there when you needed him. He loved his wife Debbie and their family more than anything in the world. Debbie was his best friend and likewise, he was hers. If you don’t know her, you would be benefited to change that. He was one of the luckiest men in the world to have her in his life – and he knew it, never taking her for granted. They were married on September 29, 1977 and their marriage of nearly 33 years seemed to fly by. Theirs was a marriage that friends and family emulated. It was a kismet from the universe. Their souls will continue to be united into perpetuity.

Al was always easy to talk to and a good listener. He was a great story-teller even though sometimes you couldn’t separate fact from fiction. But that didn’t matter to his listeners because he was endlessly entertaining. He was a perpetual jokester – he often spoke of “frog hair” and “quacking dogs” – to learn more about these oddities, just ask any of his family or friends. No one was spared his insatiable sense of humor.

He amazed people with his many talents. As early as high school he astounded people with his electrical engineering genius and was cited in the local paper as, “Alfred Kropat bewitches switches at Salem High School”. His parents were Max and Augusta Kropat, German immigrants. Al was born in Brooklyn, NY where he lived only briefly. He had one sister Hildegard (Bunny) Buta, whom he remained close with throughout his life. His earliest career was in the Air Force which led him to an exciting career in Aviation with Eastern Airlines for more than twenty-five years. At Eastern he was one of their leading airplane mechanical engineers. Eastern Airlines often consulted him for his expertise in emergencies throughout their entire service area in the Eastern region of the United States. He was an equally amazing mechanic of motorcycles and cars. And to the fortunate who sampled his cooking… we all know that his famous spaghetti and meatballs will never be outdone by anyone, ever!

He was also a natural born leader. In part this was because he was realistic in his outlook on life and was always a witty, open, and direct communicator. Al was always ready to share his wisdom, and was always a calming influence in stormy times for all who needed him. During his career with Eastern Airlines he was the ever popular team leader in the shop and with the union. Al was one of the original six founding members of the Der Krieger Motorcycle Club of Davie, Florida where he served as a leader since the early 1990’s. In more recent years he also was an active member of the NRA and Abate.

Very much like a kid himself, Al identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children's personalities. He loved and adored all children. He was a great father and grandfather who attended to his children’s and grandchildren’s needs tirelessly. He was respectful, sensitive, and loving as a parent. Al was blessed with six children, Larry, Margaret, Robby, Cindy, Donna and Susie. He was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Faelan, Tara, Morgan, Jessica, Kaley, Dylan and Maddison and three great grandchildren: Christopher, Lauren and Wyatt.

Besides his family at home, he had an even more expansive family of brothers and sisters in his community at Der Krieger. He was always available to help someone out and also drew comfort from their unwavering support of him. They taught each other that friends can love and commit to integrity and supportive relationships for a lifetime. The values espoused in Der Krieger were a mantra he lived by that will continue in part because of his contributions to their club.

Al is survived by his wife Deborah, all of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, his sister, other family and many close lifetime friends.Services will be held at Forest Lawn South Funeral Home. The Visitation will take place Monday, July 5, 2010 from 4-8PM. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 10:00AM followed by the Entombment. Al will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn South Memorial Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Al was an incredible survivor, defying all odds constantly. In spite of having an extremely sick heart for more than 30 years, he appreciated his life and cherished the experience of living it. He never gave up on himself or anyone he loved. He was very easy-going and a kind and gentle soul. This is how everyone will remember Alfred Max Kropat.