Allen Carl Lessig

Allen Carl Lessig was born September 22, 1936, in Lebanon, PA and passed away in Scottsdale, AZ on March 28, 2023. Al moved with his parents and brother in 1946 to live on a small ranch in the then small town of Scottsdale. Al attended Scottsdale High, where he played football and basketball. He then attended Palo Verde Community College in Blythe, CA. After meeting the love of his life, Kathryn Zavislan, he returned to Arizona to pursue both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Arizona State. Al and Kathy married on July 14, 1956, and had three children: Al Jr., Mark and Julie.
Al taught Shop, PE and Drivers Ed throughout his teaching career in the Scottsdale Unified School District. Al left teaching to start a landscaping business with his son, Mark, and ultimately retired in the mid-1990s.
Known for his quirky sense of humor, Al loved meeting and talking with people. He and Kathy were especially fond of dachshunds and had seven of these dogs over the years. Their favorite escape from the Arizona heat was a family cabin at Forest Lakes on the edge of the national forest, where Al would fish and tinker around the property, and the two would explore the area together on ATVs. Al was also known for his excellent woodworking skills. Regardless of the weather, he would spend hours in his garage workshop creating beautiful items that he gifted to family and friends.
Al was preceded in death by his sons Al Jr. (Kim) and Mark (Cheryl). He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughter Julie (Dan) and six grandchildren: Sydney, Brianna, Matt (Betsy), Ryan, Amy (Arvid) and Larry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Al's name to either of his favorite charities, St. Mary's Food Bank and Phoenix Rescue Mission. A Celebration of Life will held on May 6, 2023 at 10:00 am at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary in Scottsdale.