Albert E. Kottke

1928 - 2021

Albert Ernest Kottke of Wethersfield, Connecticut passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2021. He was born on December 24, 1928 to Emil Albert and Margaret Kean Kottke. He grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, "the City of Village Charm". Al was a graduate of Manchester High School, Class of 1946. After serving in the U. S. Navy from 1946 – 1948; He then went to Bryant College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business. His love for cars had him employed in auto sales for a few years prior to beginning his career in manufacturing engineering & industrial engineering. He was employed at Pratt &Whitney Aircraft for thirteen years, having held the position of Chief Buyer. He finished his career as a Purchasing Agent at Fafnir Bearing which became The Torrington Company prior his retirement. He was the husband of the late Betty Ann Watson Kottke. Al & Betty Ann were married at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield on May 16th, 1953. They celebrated 67 years of marriage. He was the beloved father of five children and six grandchildren, Donna Kottke of Wethersfield, Susan Harmon of E. Hartford, Gary and Melissa Kottke of Franklin, Jeff Kottke and Sherry Rouleau of E. Hampton and Nancy and James Francis of Coventry. His Grandchildren; Cory Harmon, Molly Harmon-Diaz, Jake Kottke, Scott, Samuel, and Julia Francis. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law; The Reverend Dr. Richard and Susan Watson of Bloomfield, Judith and David Winer of Haddam, Wendy Watson of Rocky Hill and Leslie Watson of Wethersfield. Al was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Kottke and Betty Ann's sisters Joyce Willsey & Eunice Crosen, as well as her brothers Robert, Gary & Tom. Al loved the "art of the deal" and enjoyed a hobby of buying and selling antiques. He loved spending time celebrating birthdays and holidays with his family. He enjoyed vacationing annually in Ogunquit, Maine, and at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont where he, Betty Ann and friends would go Christmas tree hunting. He especially enjoyed family vacations at Hawks Nest Beach in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Dad was a kind and caring man with a big heart, and was always there for his family. You could always chat with Dad about most sports, especially golf, football and basketball. In his retirement you could find him frequently walking around Old Wethersfield. He and Betty Ann were faithful members of Church of the Living God in Manchester, where they attended the past 23 years. Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Living God, 199 Deming Street, Manchester, CT 06040. The family is thankful to have had caregiver Rachel Dawkins-Guliano assist Dad with his own and previously Betty Anns' care. A celebration of life will be held graveside on Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Old Wethersfield, Village Cemetery at 1:00 pm.