Armando J. "Al" Lenzini

Armando Joseph “Al” Lenzini, age 95, of 339 Orchard Drive, Catawissa, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 9:55 p.m. He spent most of his adult life in Bloomsburg and was fondly called “Big Al”.

Al was born in Mocanaqua on January 28, 1919 and was the youngest son of Giovanni and Ottavia (Nesti) Lenzini’s nine children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40 years, the former Angeline Cardone, on September 1, 1985. His parents also preceded him in death, as did his six brothers: Guido, Sabbatino, Joseph, William, Peter and Amelio and two sisters: Edelinda Mucci and Fanny Rokus.

He graduated in 1937 from Shickshinny High School, and faithfully attended his class reunions, often complaining about how old his classmates seemed to be.

He joined the U.S. Marine Corps during WW II and was assigned to the Pacific Theater as a cook. He amused his family with endless stories of adventure and misadventures in the military. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant and carried the Marine motto Semper Fi, which means “Always Faithful”, into his life after military service.

One of his first jobs was working at Racusin’s Men’s Store in Shickshinny and Berwick. He discovered a love for men’s clothing sales and dressing windows during this experience.

For over 63 years, Al owned and operated Al’s Men’s Shop at three different locations on Main Street in Bloomsburg. He was recently honored by the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce as the oldest living proprietor on Main Street in Bloomsburg. Customers knew that Al might not remember their names at first; but he always knew their shirt size, the length of their pants, and suit size. He was an outstanding haberdasher cut from the old school of outfitting men in quality clothing. Those who walked into Al’s store saw immediately how much he liked the actor John (The Duke) Wayne. Al admired the spunk, determination and courage of the characters the Duke portrayed.

Al was a member of the Bloomsburg Rotary Club since 1971 and a Paul Harris Fellow. In his earlier years, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scout Master. He also operated several stands at the Bloomsburg Fair for more than 40 years.

In the 1960s, Al pioneered off-campus student housing in Bloomsburg, housing 30 to 40 students at a time above his store on the corner of Center and Main Street in what was called “Al’s Lounge”. For many years, he rented to hundreds of college students in Bloomsburg.

Part of Al’s daily routine was to wake up each morning at the crack of dawn and go to his store to get ready for his busy day. He could be seen sweeping the sidewalk outside of his store, or when not busy with customers, sitting in his chair right inside the front door. It is noteworthy to mention that Al was never seen without his signature ball cap inside or outside.

Attending morning Mass at St. Columba Catholic Church was also a part of Al’s daily activities. He built many close relationships with his St. Columba Church family giving praise to God for the gift of another day. Al practiced his faith on a daily basis; demonstrating humility, charity and service to his church as well as his community. During his early St. Columba years, he also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

For more than 25 years, Al rounded out his early morning activities with a stop at Bloomsburg Hospital’s Cardiac Rehab Unit where several times a week he practiced cardio strength and endurance workouts. He was particularly fond of the cardiac nurses who provided the special care to him and his cardiac rehab buddies during the time he spent there.

Al loved to spend time at his “camp” by the Susquehanna River. His favorite pastimes included fishing, vegetable gardening, grape growing and becoming an expert in how to clean up after floods. He also loved to hunt and was a member of a hunting camp in Central. Another favorite pastime was playing a card game called “Pitch”; which was accompanied by serious cigar smoking, good-natured shouting, and lots of laughter.

Al will be greatly missed by his loving daughters: Emilia, wife of Charles F. Parker, Jr., Ft. Collins, Colo. and Mary, wife of Michael E. Howe, Bloomsburg. He is also survived by his cherished companion of 20 years, Margaret Rarig, Catawissa, and her daughters Michele, wife of Steve Masala, Numidia and Laura Long, Bloomsburg. His grandchildren are Kathryn Howe, wife of George Berger; Alyssa Howe; Alexis and Marcus Long, all of Bloomsburg; and Matthew Masala, Numidia. His great grandchildren are Gavin, Liam, and soon to be born Maryn Berger and Jameson Curry, of Bloomsburg. Al is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be especially remembered by his long-time store manager, Jean Fry and his alterations specialist, Rebecca Ermisch.

He will be remembered by all who knew him as a man who lived life to the fullest and was worthy of great respect and honor. He had a work ethic that was beyond reproach and was generous, kind, honest and cheerful.

As he was on active duty - always faithful - Al was until his death always faithful to his God, his family, his church, his community and his country. He was a remarkable man with countless people who called him a friend. He will be noticeably missed and remembered by those who loved him as a one-of-a-kind, humble man smiling from under the bill of his signature ball cap.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Msgr. Robert E. Lawrence officiating. Interment will be made in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy.

Friends may call at the Dean W. Kriner, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market Street, Bloomsburg, on Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Christian wake services will be held on Friday at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to express sympathy may send donations to St. Columba Catholic Church or to a charity of their choice to benefit those who are in need.