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.