Alexander Samuel Pytel

"Alexander S. Pytel, 90, of Coeur d Alene, ID, formerly of Wethersfield, CT, died on January 19, 2021, at home surrounded by love. Born October 5, 1930 in Fall River, MA, he is predeceased by his wife Brigita M. Pytel, his parents, two sisters and two brothers. Al was a man of patience, love and understanding. He was humble, well respected, never complained and always strong. His smile illuminated everything and everyone around him. He loved and was loved by all. He valued the time he was able to spend with his great granddaughter Heidi and hearing what new events were taking place daily. His favorite pastime was watching westerns and war movies. Al couldn’t say no to ice cream and never missed an opportunity to let someone know he made it to 90! Al’s high school football team was the first to win the state championship which earned him a trip to the White House to meet President Truman in 1948. The same year, his basketball team won the New England Tournament. Although scouted by the Cleveland Browns, Al joined the Army to serve his country in the Korean War after graduating high school. Al was inducted into the Durfee High School Hall of Fame for football and basketball. Survivors include his four children, nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter; Debra Pytel of Coeur d’Alene, ID and children Lauren Tancredi of FL, Jamie Tancredi of MA and Brian Tancredi and wife Kristin of ID and daughter Heidi; Jay Pytel of Storrs-Mansfield, CT, and children Dominick Pytel of PA and Kimberly Pytel of CA; John Pytel and wife Cheryl of Old Saybrook, CT and children Taylor Pytel of NY and Paige Pytel of CT; Alexander Pytel Jr. and wife Tracy of Wethersfield, CT, and children, Alexis Pytel and Nicolas Pytel of MA. Al is also survived by step-children Penny Braga and husband Peter of Berlin, CT and children Ashley, Cortney and Valerie, who were extremely significant in his life, and Greg Capobianco and wife Dawn of Maui, HI. Also, step-grandchildren Tyler and Paige Swanson, Matt, Nick and Sarah Markese, and Shawn and Chris Meade. Al is also survived by his sister, Irene Ernst of Fall River, MA and many nieces and nephews. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”"