Albert August Breitkopf

Albert “Al” August Herman Breitkopf, 95, of Kemah, Texas passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, with family at his side. He was born in (Queens) New York City, New York, on October 3, 1930. Both of his parents were immigrants to the United States: his father, August Breitkopf arrived from Bremen, Germany, in 1927 and worked as a building painter, and his mother May Thorschmidt, arrived from Hamburg, Germany in 1926. August and May were married in May 1929 and lived in Rochester, New York.

Al spent much of his childhood with his grandfather, Herman Thorschmidt, a confectionary baker and chef. In 1931, his grandfather baked the world’s largest cake for the Diamond Jubilee Orleans County Fair in Albany, New York. The cake stood eight feet high and weighed 7,000 pounds. As a boy, Al loved cooking, baking, and fishing – passions he carried throughout his life.

During the first decade of Al’s life, his parents divorced, and in 1948 his mother remarried Frank Spaeth. May and Frank later had a son, Frank. Due to the age difference, Al did not develop a close relationship with his stepbrother until adulthood, but in later years they grew close and made a point to spending time together at least once a year.

On November 24, 1947, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served proudly until retiring in November 1977. His naval career took him across the country and around the world. He began in San Diego, California and was then stationed in Adak, Alaska, before returning to the Naval Station in Long Beach, California. His next assignments took him aboard the USS Silverstein (DE-534) and the USS Sproston (DDE-577), both Navy Destroyers. After leaving the USS Sproston, Al was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From Hawaii, he transferred back to California and later boarded the USS Ranger (CVA-61), an attack aircraft carrier.

Al carried his grandfather’s love of cooking and baking throughout his naval service. He began as a cook and earned multiple promotions including special duties for Chefs/Cooks and Club Management. He was featured in a Naval article regarding procurement strategies, which contributed to his title of Chief Mess Management Specialist. His decorations include multiple Good Conduct Medals, the Bronze Star for Second National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and an additional Bronze Star.

In April 1966, Al transferred to the Fleet Reserve in Long Beach, California. During this time, he also worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, holding several positions including Jailer and Corrections Officer. He worked in Forensics and transported evidence and prisoners. He retired from the LA County Sherriff’s Department in July 1982.

During his Navy years, Al married and had four children, later divorcing. In 1988, he met Nancy Pettengill in Laughlin, Nevada and affectionately referred to her as “the best one ever.” With Nancy, he not only found the love of his life but also gained her three adult children, whom he cherished.

Al and Nancy were married In January 1992 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Al enjoyed gambling – he was a sport better and a blackjack player. Any trip to the casino came with his signature phrase: “We are not here for fun; we are here to make money.” And Al being Al, he did.

Over the years, Al and Nancy shared many adventures on the Colorado River in Bullhead City, Arizona, and on road trips across the United States visiting family. Al loved being on the boat and fishing – another joy he carried from childhood. In 2004, they moved from Arizona to Kerrville, Texas, where their adventures continued. Al raised chickens, built bird houses, made wind chimes – there was nothing he wouldn’t try. After Nancy’s passing in 2019, Al moved to Kemah, Texas, to be near family.

Al was never one to sit still unless he was watching the auction channel or Shark Tank. He was always cooking, building, studying, or planning something. He rarely bought new things, especially when he could make them himself. He was the king of repurposing. Throughout his life, he never stopped learning. If he didn’t know how something worked, he studied it until he did. He built his own house in Arizona, learned how to build computers in the 1990’s, loved planning meals for family gatherings, and never hesitated to give advice. Al was one of a kind – he didn’t sugarcoat things, and he didn’t hold back his opinion.

Al is survived by his four children and multiple grandchildren from his first marriage. He was especially proud of his granddaughter October Larson, husband Chris and their two daughters from Bullhead City, Arizona. He is also survived by his three stepchildren: Timothy Pettengill of Fresno, CA, Tracy Vinson of Kemah, TX, Jennifer Galipeault and husband Tim of Seabrook, TX. His six grandchildren: Andrew Vinson and wife Rachel of Katy, TX, Natasha Pettengill of Fresno, CA, Ashley Clark and husband Garrett of Dickinson, TX, Claire Pettengill of Indianapolis, IN, Zachary Galipeault and Matthew Galipeault of Seabrook, TX. His four great-grandchildren: Peyton Vinson of Kemah, TX, Emily Shankle and husband Dale of Kemah, TX, Greg Vinson of Katy, TX, and Mallory Clark of Dickinson, TX and one great-great grandchild Faye Shankle of Kemah, TX.

While our hearts may be heavy, we will remember and celebrate Al for the years of memories, laughs, phrases, and the indelible mark he left on our lives.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, TX . Afterward, Al will be cremated, and both his and Nancy’s ashes will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in October.