Albert J Harvey

Albert J. Harvey, 96, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2023 under the care of SuncoastHospice in Pinellas Park, Florida. Albert, better known as Al, was born September 24, 1926 in New Haven, Connecticut.

He was enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program in high school. Al served in the Army from January 1945 to November 1946 spending 13½ months in the Asiatic Pacific Theater as a mechanic with the 63rd Infantry Anti-Tank Company. He received his pilot’s license on May 14, 1947. A story he always told his children about is the fly by he did over his fiancé’s house on his wedding day. He lost his pilot’s license that day but gained a wife.

Al married the love of his life, Anita Mescall on October 11, 1947. They were married for 64 years and had three children. Al and Anita resided in Connecticut until they retired and relocated to Madeira Beach, Florida in 1984.

Al spent most of his career working as a sales manager for Wonder Bread/Hostess. He took early retirement at age 58 but was not done working when he arrived in Florida. He was the go-to-guy at Scotty’s, a home improvement store, for 17 years before fully retiring.

In his spare time Al enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, socializing with friends, and spending time with family including grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very active at the Holiday Isles Elks Lodge in Madeira Beach, earning Elk of the Year twice and other honors from the lodge for volunteerism.

Al was a kitchen volunteer, lounge chairman, and helped out whenever and wherever needed.

His witty sense of humor was enjoyed by all. Family gatherings, holidays, boat parade parties, and Elks Club functions are all fond memories. A favorite memory of the grandchildren is fishing off the dock with Grandpa. Whether he was called Gramps, Grandpa, Pop-Pop, Dad, or Al, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Al was predeceased by his wife Anita who passed away in 2011. He is survived by his children Richard, Janet (Robert) Urbanski, Ananda (David) Musso, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Kathy Vincent.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 am Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center, Aventura at the Bay, and Suncoast Hospice.