Alphonse "Al" Leo Joseph Kumor

CLICK HERE TO LIVESTREAM AL'S FUNERAL MASS Alphonse Leo Joseph Kumor, aka Al Kumor, aka Alphonse Joseph Kumor, aka Okie (fill in your special name for him here) was born on October 15, 1923 in Detroit Michigan. On Saturday April 8, 2023 he peacefully exited this world and entered into the next at age 99 ½. He attended St Stephens Elementary and after graduation from St Casimir High School, Al worked several jobs before being accepted in the Ford Motor Company Aircraft School where he completed his apprenticeship in Aircraft Engine Mechanics in 1945. Later, Wink Chevrolet employed Al first as an auto mechanic, and later as a car salesman. He met his future wife Sylvia Sedor through his best friend John Neubauer, who patronized Al’s mother’s bar on Michigan Avenue, and John’s “gal” Delores Martinac, one of Sylvia’s best friends. Al and Sylvia married in February 1954. Al worked days at Wink and attended University of Detroit at night while raising his family with Sylvia, growing from one to four children, before he earned his BA in Education. Following graduation he worked at Hamtramck High School teaching Typing and Bookkeeping, filming football and basketball games for the coaches’ later review for both HHS and St Alphonsus, and in the summers teaching Drivers’ Ed. He went on to earn his Masters in Guidance and Counseling at U of M in 1964, and several years later became the school’s lead Guidance Counselor. When he retired from HHS in 1986 Sylvia told him “you better find ways to fill your days before I retire – you can’t be home all day.” That’s when fishing trips, touring the links, and playing the lottery became a bigger priority. Al was an active participate at St Al’s for more than 60 years. He was a member of the Dad’s/Men’s Club from the early 1960’s until it dissolved, often working Sunday Bingo in the Activities Building, helping at parish festivals, golfing and Monday night bowling and promoting the athletic programs. Al also used his skills as a handyman to assist people in the parish and neighborhood in household repairs and painting. After their children “left the nest”, during summers between school years Al and Sylvia spent leisurely stays at their cabin on Rainy Lake near Millersburg, MI, hosting friends and family. They enjoyed many road trips with their good friends Betty and Wally Leshok. Together they adventured across the US from Bar Harbor to Las Vegas and Colorado to Key West Fantasy Fest. And the trip of a lifetime to London and Paris. He lived with joy, optimism and perseverance. After the death of Sylvia, his wife of over 50 years, Al continued her tradition of sending cards to family, extended family and friends to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Many of you were recipients of cards he signed “from the Kumor family”. In his later life, Al kind-of “just did” – rolled with what came to him: didn’t judge, didn’t predict; had good forethought, gave plenty of advice, and lived life as it came to him. When asked how he was, the answer most often was “So far, so good”. Al’s easy manner, optimism and outlook on life made him beloved by those who met him. His boundless energy and vitality was inspiring, and provided him with a more full life following his retirement than many have in their working years. Preceded in death by his loving wife Sylvia (nee Sedor), his Mother and Father Nellie and Stanley Kumor, brother Eddie, son Tony, Grandson Jason, and cousin Mary Koncikowski. Al is survived by his sister MaryAnn (George) Szarama, children Anne, Betsy and Michael (Cyndi); daughter in law Kathy O’Connor; Grandchildren Keith, Eric (Kate Sonka), Alyson and Rachel; Goddaughter Sally Neubauer; other nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren related by blood or love. Kind neighbor and companion Peggy Schleif. Lets all toast Al with paczki on Fat Tuesday. Forever in our hearts and always a part of us, an educator to the end, we love you Dad. In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Al’s name to Angela Hospice. If sending a tribute notification, please send it to eakumor@yahoo.com or to the charitable organization of your choice.