Albert Joseph Covelli Sr.

1928 - 2013

Albert Joseph

Covelli, Sr.

Albert Joseph "Gooch" Covelli, Sr., 85 years old, passed away peacefully in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday, September 10, 2013.

Born on January 14, 1928 in the Browntown section of Wilmington to parents, Carmine and Adelaide Covelli, who had both emigrated from the Abruzzo region of central Italy in the early twentieth century, Al was the youngest of four children. He attended St. Elizabeth's Elementary School and H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School and had a passion for basketball and baseball.

A skilled craftsman with the Local Bricklayers Union for most of his life, Al started his own business, Alcove Ceramic Tile, and perfected his craft in homes and churches throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He briefly owned a restaurant and bar called The Hitching Post that was known to serve Maryland Crab Cakes, which he was particularly fond of.

A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, Al loved dancing, socializing at Dunkin Donuts with the "Safety Club" and eating authentic Italian food. He was known by many to have a smooth voice, uncanny whistling ability and healthy sense of humor, and would often display these talents on a daily basis. His hard work ethic was a cornerstone of his being and a trait that has been passed on to his children and all who have worked with him.

In 1961, Al met Suzanne Hagan in a Catholic group called The Lucians. The two married at St. Ann's Catholic Church a year later and had their first child in 1963. Al and his family were longtime supporters of St. Catherine of Siena Church and School with their family and neighborhood friends. Al and Suzanne took great pride in building their vacation home together at the shore in Avalon, New Jersey in 1987, where their family enjoyed 27 years of swimming, bicycle riding and crabbing.

Al is survived by his four children, Francine Covelli, Kathleen Covelli-Reyes, Albert Covelli, Jr. and Christopher Carmine Covelli; his five grandchildren, Daidra Ciroalo, Francesca Reyes, Jake Ciroalo, Emma Reyes and Sam Reyes; his sister, Mary Christiana; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Suzanne Hagan Covelli; his sister, Jeanette Radka; and his brother, Johnny Covelli.

The Covelli family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Franciscan Care Center at Brackenville for making Al's final months of life comfortable. Al died with his children by his side and the soothing tunes of Frank Sinatra playing softly on a stereo. He will be missed by all.

Family and friends are invited to visit at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville on Friday, September 20 from 9-10AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:15AM. Entombment will follow in the Ascension Garden Crypt in Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Al's favorite charities: Meals on Wheels Delaware, 100 W. 10th St., #207, Wilmington, DE 19801 or DFRC Blue-Gold Foundation, 640 Plaza Dr., Newark, DE 19702.

DOHERTY

FUNERAL HOMES

To offer condolences, visit

www.dohertyfh.com

302-652-6811