A.L. Abila

A.L. Abila (89) of Metairie, LA passed into Eternal Life on November 23rd, 2025. Al was born in Denver, Colorado on April 20, 1936, and resided in Metairie, Louisiana for the past 51 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete Abila and Rose Abila, his sister Edith Schmidt (late, Will) brother Richard Avila (Jo, surviving), daughter Jemaine Leigh Halvorson and granddaughter Jessica.

A.L. is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Martha, his son Vincent Peter, his grandchildren Lindsey Abila; Jennifer, Caroline, and Thomas Halvorson (Thomas son-in-law) brother Robert Avila (Bess), sisters; Bertha Garcia (late, Robert), Agnes Palacios (Alfred), Lorraine Berkos (late, Michael) and many nieces and nephews.

A.L. graduated from St. Mary High School in Albuquerque, NM. He then joined the US Air Force during the Korean conflict, being honorably discharged 4 years later. Shortly after being discharged, he applied and was accepted to a position with the Federal Aviation Administration where he served with distinction for 27 years, becoming the youngest facility chief in the Southwest region at that time. Duty locations with the agency as a professional air traffic controller were Albuquerque, NM, San Juan PR, San Antonio, TX, Lubbock, TX, Roswell NM and Lakefront Airport in New Orleans and Moisant International, New Orleans where he retired.

Upon retiring he owned and operated a hunting and fishing shop in Kenner, LA. He sold that business and went into a variety of outside sales positions with various companies as he thoroughly enjoyed the contact with the people.

During his lifetime, Al was a devoted catholic parishioner at St. Christopher the Martyr, he was very involved in the Knights of Columbus, serving as Past Grand Knight, 3rd Degree, Past Faithful Navigator, 4th Degree, District Deputy, Past Grand Commander, International Order of Alhambra. He was also very active with the Clearview Lions Club having served as President six terms.

He was the recipient of numerous KC and Lions awards including the Pro Deo Patrea Medal (4th Degree) and Lion of the year (six times). A.L. was an avid hunter and fisherman and left a large variety of trophies in his home. Al traveled extensively for business and pleasure but mostly for pleasure with his beautiful wife Martha.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, with a mass starting at 11:00 am. A burial will take place at a later date.