Albert Conrad Kaifer Jr.

Albert C. Kaifer, Jr., 82, of Agawam, was called safely home on April 18, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 9, 1940, a beloved son of the late Albert C. Kaifer, Sr. and the late Margaret (Riordan) Kaifer. He graduated from Calvert Hall College High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during peace time for four years. Upon completion, he graduated from Westfield State College with a Bachelors and Masters in Education. He made a valuable contribution to the Springfield Public School System for 34 years as a teacher, counselor, and psychologist.
An avid reader, Al will forever be remembered for his enthusiastic love for model trains, puzzles, and the outdoors which included cycling, kayaking, snowshoeing, and travel. Travel afforded him the ability to not only explore new places, but also provided him the opportunity to spend time with loved ones which was his primary motivation. Al made time for people he cared about and made sure to visit his family as much as he could. That's one thing about Al, he always showed up, and he was always there for you when you needed it most.
Al is survived by his wife, Maureen of 33 years, his children Kimberly Cottle (Bentley) of Australia, Kevin Kaifer (Eileen) of Holyoke, Ryan Applebee (Michelle Toolan-Applebee) of Springfield, and Erin Wandelt of Bridgeport CT; his thirteen grandchildren Emma, Georgia, Sean, Neelie, Sarah, Alivia, Jonathan, Jacob, Mia, Morgan, McKenna, Courtney and Christopher; his siblings Timothy Kaifer (Jacqueline), Kevin Kaifer (Barbara) both of PA, Robert Kaifer (MaryJo) of MO, and Ellen Meyers (Richard) of MD, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Margaret Frederico.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday April 24, 2022 from 2-5pm in Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 N. Main St., East Longmeadow MA. Words of remembrance will be spoken at 4pm. Al’s funeral will start Monday April 25, 2022 at 9:45am in the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11am at Holy Name Church, 323 Dickinson St., Springfield. Burial with Military Honors will be at a later date. Memorial contributions in Al’s name may be made to St Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Baystate Hospice, 280 Chestnut St, 6th floor, Springfield MA 01199. To leave an online condolence, or for more information visit www.forastiere.com.