ALFRED PALASZYNSKI Of Braddock Hills, age 83, died on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, fighting his long and valiant battle with cancer. Al was born January 22, 1937 to Edmund and Katherine (Jado) Palaszynski. Al is survived by his wife Barbara A. (Fecsik) Palaszynski of 57 years; his children Matt (Leslie) Palaszynski and Kathy (Rob) Poirier; and grandchildren Cindy, Alissa, and Ashley Palaszynski and Rebecca and William Poirier. Al spent his life in the grocery business. He grew up working in his father's corner store, the 8th Street Market in Braddock, PA. Hard times fell on small corner groceries in the early 70's and Al and his brother-in-law Joe Heisler scraped together every penny and opened their first large supermarket, Curry Road Foodland. That business expanded to total of six stores in its heyday, and is still successful with Al's niece and nephew. Making the jump from corner grocery to a full size supermarket was a massive undertaking. Al made it a success with hard work and sheer willpower. Every second Sunday was his day off in the early years, but even on our Sunday drives we always found our way swinging past the store just to check-in. This dedication did not go unnoticed by those around him. Dad's way was never to brag, very humble. He never told any employee to do anything he himself would not do right alongside them from working overtime, to washing the toilets, to making signs. He did it all. Al's work ethic shone through as a major influence on those around him, including his own children who have both gone on to achieve degrees in Engineering and Architecture and both run their own successful businesses. Al touched many lives over the years in his business and life, hundreds in his employ, and even more customers. Remembering them all by name, he always had time to stop and chat. In particular he was a great listener, letting others tell him their stories as he listened and remembered. When he met them again next week in the grocery aisles, he picked up the conversation with an emphasis on the other person's problem. This trait earned Al a lot of respect from those who knew him, just from those ten minute conversations. Al was always passionate about life. Never wasting a moment. He loved to be anywhere outdoors, but he particularly enjoyed skiing, biking and traveling, continuing all three until just months ago. He was humble, caring and kind. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Al's viewing and Blessing Service will be private to his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a future date. Al will be laid to rest in Braddock Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of one's choice in honor of Al Palaszynski. Arrangements with PATRICK T. LANIGAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., East Pittsburgh, 412-824-8800. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb