Alexander N. "Al" Demkowicz

Alexander "Al" Demkowicz

February 12, 1938 – May 23, 2025

Alexander "Al" Demkowicz passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, at the age of 87. A devoted husband, father, educator, musician, and friend, Al's life was rich in service, creativity, and joy.

Born on February 12, 1938, Al attended Tremont Elementary School, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Baldwin Wallace College in 1960. He later earned his Master of Education from Western Reserve University.

Al dedicated more than four decades to teaching, beginning his career in East Liverpool and later working in Columbia Station and 25 years in Berea, Ohio, where "Mr. D" was a beloved band director at Roehm Junior High School and various elementary schools, remembered for nurturing generations of young musicians.

A gifted saxophonist and bandleader, Al performed with many regional polka and German bands, including Ray Budzilek and the Polka-Town Boys (Columbia Records), Lenny Zadel Band, International Sound Machine (Fred Ziwich), Al Novak Band, and the Joe Wendel Orchestra. His first recording was with the Al Denny Orchestra (his own band). He made multiple appearances on WEWS TV's 'Polka Varieties' and was in the backup band for Myron Floren in Frankenmuth, Michigan. He performed throughout the United States and in Canadian Polish clubs, Octoberfests, cruise ships, and was even featured in commercial television appearances.

Al married the love of his life, Sandra, at St. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in 1961. Together, they raised a family rooted in love, tradition, and music! Soft-spoken and humble, Al was quick to share stories of his family's accomplishments, and at home it was not unusual to be surprised with a heartfelt, personal gift he'd tirelessly created, like songs he composed for his daughter's wedding and his granddaughter's ballet accomplishments, the recreation (from memory) of a Pinewood Derby car he and his son created that had been destroyed in a house fire, or sharing his passion for learning by teaching his granddaughter to play the saxophone, as well as proudly making homemade beer with his grandson.

A lifelong learner and traveler, Al was fluent in multiple languages including French, German, and Swedish. His adventures took him across all 50 states, including driving to Alaska, and overseas to Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, and Europe. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, cooking, and tending to his home.

Al is survived by his beloved wife Sandra (née Painter), his children Brian and Judi (Patrick Hopperton), grandchildren Austin (Madi McMillen), and Alexandra Cross (Tyler); sister Betty Dasher (Charles "Chuck"); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and cherished friend to many.

His humor, humility, and harmony will echo on in the music he played and the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation in his name to the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Performing Arts, and the funds will be used to provide future young musicians the resources needed to achieve their dreams, like Al.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life honoring Al, where we will gather to share memories, laughter, and love in remembrance of Al's remarkable soul. Please join us Friday, May 30, 2025 from 6:30pm-9:00pm Café Ah Roma (38 W. Bridge St., Berea, Ohio 44017).