Albert "Al" Piela Jr.

1943 - 2024

Niantic - Albert "Al" Piela Jr., 80, of Niantic, died peacefully Nov. 12, 2024, with his beloved wife Mary Jane by his side. In his final weeks, Al was able to spend special time with each of his children and many members of his large and loving family. Al was born in Norwich, the son of Albert Piela Sr. and Elsie Green.

He grew up in Preston, and graduated from Norwich Free Academy. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Willimantic State Teachers College (now Eastern Connecticut State University) and a sixth-year degree in education from the University of Connecticut. Al was a good athlete who played various sports throughout his high school and college years.

Al settled in Groton, and raised four children with his former wife, Eleanor Leandri. He was an involved, present and loving father to his children, attending every game and event, taking them to the beach and on rides and walks, and instilling the value of hard work by involving them in household responsibilities. Above all, he and Elly provided them with the greatest gift that any parent can provide - the foundation for a happy life.

Al started his career as a social studies teacher at Robert E. Fitch Junior High School, but his administrative talent and natural ability with students were quickly recognized, and he soon began a long tenure as an assistant principal, first at Fitch Junior and later at Fitch Senior High School. As an assistant principal, Al was responsible for student discipline. He had a remarkable gift for building rapport with the students who most frequently required his attention, blending a firm presence with a caring interest and a desire to help them succeed in their lives.

After a celebrated 35-year career in the Groton school system, Al worked for more than five years as a juvenile probation officer for the State of Connecticut. He later returned to Fitch for several years, where he enjoyed greeting visitors and students at the security desk and serving as a public address announcer for the baseball team before fully retiring in 2014. Al was an accomplished youth baseball coach and, in later years, enjoyed following local high school sports.

Al and Mary Jane shared a loving relationship for 36 years and celebrated their marriage in 2002. Al was also a loving and attentive father figure to Mary Jane's two children, and they have many memories of family dinners, playing catch, and picnics at Harkness. Al always said that his purpose in life was to make Mary Jane happy. They were great companions and particularly enjoyed weekend trips to destinations throughout New England, Sunday dinners out, and quiet times at home.

Al was an involved grandfather, known to his many grandchildren as Papa, a name that reflected his quiet warmth and handsome resemblance to Ernest Hemingway. He loved to spend an afternoon or a Saturday attending a band concert, softball or baseball game, cross country meet, horse show, or recital.

Al and Mary Jane spent many memorable summer family vacations on Cape Cod, organized an annual family Christmas brunch at the Griswold Inn, and hosted an annual October weekend gathering in West Dennis for their children and grandchildren for nearly three decades. Al was also very active in the Chapman Farms community where he and Mary Jane lived, serving on the board of directors for many years.

For a naturally quiet person, Al was an excellent storyteller and conversationalist. He had a great memory and was an attentive and thoughtful listener. He was especially interested in gardening, reading and nature, and he enjoyed feeding and watching birds with Mary Jane from the sunroom of their home. His favorite bird was the cardinal, whose sighting is considered by many to be a symbol that loved ones we have lost will live forever.

Al is survived by his wife Mary Jane Kilpatrick Piela; his children: Bo and Catherine Piela of Marblehead, Mass., David Piela of Newington, Christopher Piela and Cina Welch of Sarasota, Fla., and Suzanne and Peter Neubauer of Trumbull; his stepchildren: Kristin and Abran Smith of Chester, and Michael and Marisa Lester of Waterford; his grandchildren: David and Hannah Neubauer, Caroline Neubauer, Madeline and Meredith Piela, Spencer, Skylar and Sylvie Piela, Kelsie and Josie Piela, Rosie, Evelyn and Amelia Smith, Patrick and Nodian Lester and Alexander and Nicholas Lester; his great-grandson Riley Lester; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to call from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at the Byles-Groton Memorial home, 310 Thames Street, Groton. A Celebration of Life will be held at p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 4 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, 06371, or to a charity of one's choice. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.