Albert "Uncle Al" J. Perkowski

Albert J. Perkowski, aka “Uncle Al,” 98, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in Sarasota, Florida on 19 June 2024 with his Great Nephew, Greg Formanski, at his side. 

Al was born and raised during the Great Depression in Erie, and like many of his friends, entered military service in the United States Army and was actively involved in WWII. Al was a Private First Class with Company G of the 232nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry “Rainbow”Division and saw combat action in France, Belgium and Germany before his Honorable Discharge in March of 1946. Notably, Al received a Purple Heart w/an Oak Leaf Cluster for two wounds received just after the infamous Battle of the Bulge. 

Al was preceded in death by his father, Walter Perkowski and mother, Mary Brocious Perkowski, his sisters, Frances, Mary and Dorothy and his brothers, Bud (Joseph) and Eddie. 

Al is survived by his “younger” brother, Leonard Perkowski, 97 residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. With no children of his own, Al has 2 generations of nieces and nephews, to all of whom “Uncle Al” was more of a “grandpa” figure. 

While working for Erie Iron Works, Al enjoyed the outdoor life of hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania and upstate New York. Al was an avid archer, bowler, horseshoe pitcher, pool player and was well known throughout the Erie area. In his 70’s and having given up winters, Al moved first to Punta Gorda and eventually settled in St. Petersburg, Florida where he quickly fell in love with warmer weather games, like golf and shuffleboard. Al was an active owner in the Melody Gardens Park for many years until 2018 when his ailing health required him to move to Sarasota with Greg. After a heart valve bypass, Al was given a new lease on life and continued to play golf until he was 96! The last three years, Al was a popular resident at the Aravilla Assisted Living Facility, where residents are sad of his passing, but happy that someone besides Al will now win at Bingo! 

Al leaves behind nothing but wonderful memories made with all his beloved Canadian and extended families. His quick wit and jovial sense of humor is sorely missed already. 

Services will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on a TBD date, probably October 2024. Rest easy Soldier, you’re “Dismissed!”