Albert Leonard Caulder

Albert Leonard Caulder (known affectionately as Al) transitioned from this earthly realm to begin his next spiritual journey on December 20, 2023. Born on August 4, 1948 in Watertown New York, he spent most of his youth in South Florida. He is preceded in death by his mother, Marjory Otis, father, Lindberg Caulder and brothers Fred Allen, Bruce Robbins and James Mills.

 

Al is survived by his beloved wife Tara Morgan Caulder, son Brandon Caulder, daughter Kelly Sitlinger, stepdaughter Abbi Johnson, sister Melody Glick, granddaughter Kylie Driggers and granddaughter Emersyn Bennett. Al was a gentle giant who loved fiercely and passionately as a husband, father, grandfather (Poppy), brother and friend.

 

He was an honorable Marine serving in combat in Vietnam from 1968-1978. He was a member of the elite Special Forces Reconnaissance division, also known as Delta 19, "The Walking Dead" due to the battalion's highest casualty rate. Wounded three times, Al was decorated with three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, among other awards. Up until his passing, Al still believed in protecting and defending the sacred freedom of our country.

 

While a Merchant Mariner, Al devoted his life to the sea as a member of the Seafarers International Union. As an accomplished Bosun, he successfully accumulated forty-plus years of sea time. Al had many lifetimes of stories from his traveling the world, visiting every country but Russia and China. He could magically weave an intricate tale of his explorations on the sea that drew people into his story as if they were a participant. His gift of storytelling was verbal as well as in written format.

 

Per Al's wishes, there will be no official service. It was his request to have his ashes traverse the sea so that his next adventures will eternally have no beginning and no end.

There will be no greater love for his family than to bless our Captain, Al Caulder, with this request.

 

 

 

 

My love, Al Caulder, passed from this world today He was a gentle giant who loved fiercely as my lifemate, as a protective father and a proud Poppy. He served in life as an honorable Marine and a Merchant Mariner, always ready to defend his beliefs, our freedom and country. He loved everyone and called them friend. Truly this hero will be deeply loved and missed. Until we see each other again my love, my sea captain (Written by Tara)

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I would like to take a moment to honor my father Al Caulder. He was larger than life and lived with so much strength and love. My dad was a devoted family man who would give the shirt off his back to help a stranger. He loved his country and fought for it as a Force Recon Marine serving 2 tours in Vietnam. He's traveled the world and has more sea time than any sailor should. Enough stories to fill multiple books and my imagination since I was a child to now. I know when I look out at the sea or the stars at night you will be right there with me. I love you dad

(Written by Son, Brandon Caulder)

 

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Your dad always had a beautiful, youthful twinkle in his eyes and deep belly laughter that drew children in. Time ceased to exist when he played with them. Poppy is an irreplaceable treasure. (Taking from daughter Kelly's Facebook page)