Albert “Al” Louis Wolchak was born on August 27, 1928, in Middletown, New Jersey, and passed away on August 5, 2024, in Palm Harbor, Florida. Al was the beloved son of Mary Burdash (d. 1984) and William Wolchak (d. 1953) and brother to Raymond K. Wolchak (d. 2010), William J. Wolchak Sr. (d. 1993) and Dorothy nee Acerra (d. 2002). He married the love his life, Ruth nee Nelsen Wolchak on May 28, 1956, and were happily married for 61 years until her passing on March 27, 2017.

Al enlisted in the United States Army on October 5, 1946, and served with the Military Police, 25th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, until March 19, 1948. In recognition of his exemplary service, Al was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation (Japan) Medal.

Passionate about aviation since his youth, Al moved to California after his military service and enrolled in aircraft mechanic school to become a flight engineer. He worked for several companies, including Trans Caribbean Airways, Trans World Airlines, and American Airlines from 1958 to 1992, and truly left behind a legacy of excellence in aviation.

Al was both generous in spirit and kind of heart, and he will always be remembered for his unwavering love to his family and dedication to his profession. A man of many talents and interests, Al was an avid artist, skilled carpenter, and accomplished mechanic. He enjoyed flexing his mental muscles with daily crossword puzzles and was a devoted fan of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune--often shouting out the answers and solving clues in loving competition with his wife, Ruth. He was a voracious reader of crime and thriller novels, and was known to enjoy an occasional Manhattan (up) cocktail.

Al is survived by his stepson, Karl Schulte, daughter-in-law Lena Schulte, grandchildren Albert (wife Beth) and Michael (wife Nicole) Schulte, great-grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, Alexander and Christian Schulte, nieces Judy Rogers, Kathy Wolchak, and Dori Rodriguez and nephews Bill, Bill, and Raymond Wolchak. He also left behind many cherished friends. Al will always be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness, and meticulous attention to detail, and especially for the love he and Ruth shared for each other.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to “Homes for Our Troops.” (Visit hfotusa.org or call 1-866-787-6677 to donate)–or any charity of your choice–in honor of Al L. Wolchak.