In Memory of
Albert Michael Lysak
April 9,
1932 - June 11, 2021
Obituary
It is with heavy
hearts that we announce Albert Michael Lysak of
Sudbury, Vermont, formerly of Bellerose, New York,
passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones
on June 11, 2021, at the age of 89.
Al was born on April
9, 1932 to father Michael Lysak and mother Catherine
Gruber, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York and was the
eldest of three children. Al graduated early from the NY
School of Printing High School.
Al’s
exemplary work ethic and love of his country led to his
enlistment in the US Air Force during the Korean War
from 1951-1955. His stories of being stationed in
Germany and Morocco were favorites at the family dinner
table.
Following the death
of his mother, Al came home to help out the rest of his
family. In 1956 Al joined the Port Authority of NY/NJ as
a police officer, and then earned rank as detective. It
was while working at Kennedy Airport that he met the
love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Krempges, formerly of
Independence, Iowa. He fell in love with Peggy’s
Midwestern kindness and humor. She made the perfect
match to his serious and conscientious demeanor. They
married in 1964.
Al was known for his
calmness and perseverance in times of crisis, and
deescalated many emergency situations during his time:
whether it be a plane crash, bus hijacking, or
delivering a baby in a car! Anyone who truly knew Al
knew he was the one to call in time of need. Al retired
from the Port Authority in 1978 and went into business
together with his brother, Ken, and friend Danny as
partners at Ivy Beer and Soda Distributors until 1995.
Al and Peggy raised
their children, Anne and Matthew in Bellerose, New York,
and had many dear friends and neighbors. Al and Peggy,
Anne and Matthew spent many good years boating on the
Great South Bay off Long Island with their very good
friends John and Loretta and their family. It is here
that Al taught his children to swim, fish and love the
water. Al’s commitment to his family also allowed them
to take many many trips to Iowa to see Peggy’s family
there. Al truly loved his in-laws and enjoyed so much
helping them on the farm and being together. His
mother-in-law was one of his favorite people.
In 1996 Al and Peggy
moved permanently to their Lake Hortonia, Vermont home,
of which Al completely finished himself. It is in this
home where he found the peace he so sought after,
surrounded by the beautiful lake. Al served as Sudbury
Fire Warden for 20+ years and just retired this year. Al
and Peggy enjoyed many years belonging to the Green
Mountain Model A Club and going on adventures with their
1929 Ford Model A. Al loved nothing more than when his
children and grandchildren came to stay at the lake. The
family loved the holidays, especially Easter, spent
together. Grandpa’s kielbasa, babka and Easter eggs are
everyone’s favorite meal before Easter Sunday Mass.
Al will be remembered
for so many beautiful qualities: his work ethic,
honesty, and most of all, his devotion to his wife and
children. They were always his greatest priority. Al’s
favorite saying: “Alles ist in Ordnung”, which is German
for “everything is in order”, exemplifies his passion
for his family and their forever well-being. Al’s advice
and wisdom that he passed down to his children will
always be cherished. He knew his children and always had
their best interests in mind. He was the person to go to
in good times and bad.
Al had many hobbies
including stamp, coin and train collecting, boating,
hunting, fishing, and his love for the New York Yankees,
and he passed these loves onto his family.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Peggy,
children Anne (Jhong) of Sparta NJ and Matthew of
Bellerose NY, son-in-law John and grandchildren
Christopher and Caty. His memory will never be forgotten
as he leaves a lasting legacy to them.
A memorial gathering
will be announced at a later date. There are no calling
hours at this time.