Alfred J. Gendek, Jr.

Alfred J. Gendek, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on November 16, 2024, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. A proud resident of Olmsted Township, Ohio for the past 25 years, Al lived 80 years filled with family, friends, love, and laughter.

Born on July 14, 1944, in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Al’s life was marked by hard work and devotion to family. A natural leader, he graduated from Scottdale High School, where he excelled as the quarterback of the football team.

After high school, Al proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon returning, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and worked as an AMF-certified mechanic, maintaining bowling alleys across northeast Ohio. Al could fix, build, or MacGyver just about anything. Whether it was a swimming pool deck, a basement bedroom, or a “treasure” he snagged at a garage sale, he loved a good project - and perhaps an even better bargain.

A lifelong fan of Cleveland sports, Al had an unwavering (and often tested) loyalty to the Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, a passion he shared with his children. For several years, he coached little league baseball in Avon, Ohio, instilling in young players the values of teamwork, fair play, and having fun. Al also had a soft spot for “oldies” music of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he fondly referred to as the soundtrack of his “Glory Days.”

While he enjoyed projects, sports, and music, his greatest joy came from his family. Al was a devoted husband to Dorothy (Hiland) Gendek, his wife of 37+ years, and a loving father to Robin Hedges (Brent), David Gendek (Cathy), and James Pitzer (Petra Roberts). He was immensely proud of and relished spoiling his grandchildren, Andrew and Elliot Hedges; Celena, Paul, and Ryan St. Clair; Alexis Adams; and Evangeline Pitzer, and his great-grandchildren Ensley and Lainey St. Clair. Al is also survived by his dear sister Shirley McMaster, sister-in-law Jeanne Tartal, numerous nieces and nephews, and cherished friends.

Al is preceded in death by his mother Helen (Hardik) Tartal; father Alfred Gendek, Sr.; stepfather Andrew Tartal; sisters Dolores Weaver and Margaret Harshman; and brothers Frank Tartal and John Tartal.

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Family and friends are requested to meet for Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 10:30AM at St. Mary of the Falls Catholic Parish, 25615 Bagley Road in Olmsted Falls, Ohio with military honors to follow. Interment to be held at a future date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a veteran’s organization of your choice in Al’s honor.

May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the loving arms of God the Father, his Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.