Alton Rudolph Teter

Alton Rudolph Teter was born in Albany, NY on July 21, 1932. He was the first-born son of Alton and Helen Teter. He also had a younger brother, Richard. As a teenager, he was nicknamed “Lucky Teter” after the real “Lucky Teter” Earl Moseman. Earl had performed at the nearby fair, so having the same last name prompted Al to reenact one of the stunts, jumping his bicycle through a ring of fire. It didn’t go as planned and he fell on the ring getting some burns in the process. He worked with his grandfather as a carpenter during the summers while he was in high school. He also worked as an auto mechanic at his uncle’s Chevrolet dealership in his hometown of Altamont, NY.

After high school, Al enlisted in the US Air Force serving from January of 1951 through March of 1955 as an Airman First Class in aviation mechanics. He was stationed in Florida as well as Aurora, Colorado. He received a Good Conduct medal and a National Defense Service medal in his 4-year enlistment during the Korean Conflict.

Afterward, Al went to The State University of New York, Alfred, NY obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramic Engineering. He joined the Association of College Engineers in Alfred. Educated in the pre-computer era, he had a computer mind, proficient in the use of slide rules, hand drawing schematics, blueprints, spreadsheets, charts and graphs.

After his graduation, he moved to Denver and worked at Denver Brick and Pipe for a year. Then began his employment at Rocky Flats Nuclear Plant in Golden for the rest of his career as a Senior Principal Engineer instrumental in the application of science and engineering of complex projects for the Department of Energy. He retired in 1990 after working 32 years.

Al loved gardening, swimming, camping, fishing, water skiing, ice skating and family outings. He enjoyed 35 years of retirement, traveling occasionally in the United States while continuing some of his hobbies. He led a rich and adventure filled life of service, education, skill, faith and family dedication.

Al Teter passed away peacefully at age 93 on September 13, 2025. He is survived by 4 children, James Anderson (Diana), Colleen DiGiallonardo (Tony), Bill Teter (Debbie) and Billie McIntire. He has 7 grandchildren; Justin (Leticia), Jassy, Brandon (Sunny), Brook (Scott), Ryan (Lisa), Shawn (Margo) and Jason. He has numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Vivian Helman.