Alexander Kumskis

1942 - 2015

Alexander George Kumskis, May 19, 1942 - April 3, 2015. Age 72. Survived by his wife of 50 years Nancy (nee Bianciotto), his 3 children Ellen (David) Lucke, David (Lori), Scott (Nicole); his 10 grandchildren: Christopher, Charles, Marcella, Greta, Alex, Claire, Magnus, Sloane, Bear, and Luke; his beloved sister Lorraine (Chuck): his nieces Cheryl, Joyce, Alexa, and Allison. Preceded in death by his parents Phyllis (Nyzelskis) and Alexander Kumskis, and his sisters Dolly and Alice. "Big Al" was a lifelong Chicagoan having attended Mt. Carmel High School and Little Flower grade school. He attended the University of Miami in Florida where he played defensive end on the football team. He then took his football career to the next level by playing for the Cleveland Browns in the 1963 season. Once Al left the playing field, he focused his life competing in the world of business- specifically the steel industry. He founded Northern Steel Industries and remained active in the business until his death. He made an otherwise rudimentary sphere of knowledge exciting, fast paced, efficient, and most of all FUN. He loved sports -any sport- and could tell you the biography and accomplishments of any athlete, current or retired, who ever played anything. He was an expert in history. He was an avid reader. He held strong political views. He loved to travel to Miami, New York, and San Francisco. He loved his wife Nancy. He loved his kids. He loved his grandkids. He loved to party! And for the past 15 years he just hated being sick. Visitation will be from 4 to 8pm on Tuesday, April 7 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., in Countryside. A funeral service will be Wednesday, April 8 at 11:30am at the funeral home. Info: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com