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Albert E. Dabruzzi

Albert E. Dabruzzi, age 90, died at the Hudson Hospital Tuesday, September 8th. His final journey began 1 week ago and he passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family who were also sleeping at the time. Al was born at home on Monroe Street in North Hudson WI on August 7th, 1925, to Elizabeth and Sam Dabruzzi.

He attended Saint Patrick’s Catholic School and upon completion moved across the street to the Hudson High School. In the mid 40’s the family purchased a popcorn wagon which he managed with the help of the 2 notorious “Popcorn Queens”, his sisters Lucy and Caroline. Together they would park the wagon outside the old Hudson Movie Theater, which in those days did not offer popcorn.

He received his notice to report to active duty on his 18th birthday and served in the armed forces the last two years of World War II. He was attached to a headquarters company. For those of you familiar with the old series Mash, he would be considered “Sparky’s” counterpart.

Upon his discharge from the army he returned home where he attended the University of St Thomas in St. Paul MN. Al enjoyed league bowling up the street at Sam’s Recreation Hall and it was here he met his wife to be, Diana Mannella. They were married September 2nd 1950. Their wedding party consisted of 3 sets of twins. They shared 61 years of wedded bliss until Diana’s passing in 2011. They were blessed with one incredibly handsome and intelligent boy quickly followed by two younger children, Tom and Terrie.  

Al was a career man with the 1st National Bank of Hudson. He was with them for 37 years starting as a teller and working his way up. He retired in ’86. He was a devout Catholic and actively supported the Knights of Columbus where he rose to a 4th degree Knight. He was also active in the Hudson Rotary Club, serving several terms as president.  He loved big band music and ballroom dancing including square dancing.

He was born with a green thumb and thoroughly enjoyed working with his hands outdoors in his garden. He loved sharing his passion for this with his children and grandchildren. Al was a dog lover and also an avid rock hound in his younger years.  He was also known to swing a golf club a time or two.

Al will be entering the Great Almighty’s realm embracing those who have gone before him: his spouse Diana, his son Tom, parents Sam and Lizzie, brothers Frank, James and Samuel, sisters Caroline Zappa and Margaret Meyer.

He is survived by his daughter Theresa, whom he fondly referred to as his Darling Daughter (DD), and her husband Jeff Heimann, son Jim, fondly known to feel as chopped liver, his wife Linda and their children Theresa, James, Angela and husband Dan Harrison the IV, Grandsons Tony and Michael, their spouses Stacey and Megan, great grandchildren Dominic, Thomas and Matteo, sisters Lucy Hentges, Dorothy Mezzenga, Doris and husband Jim Reine, Godson Eugene Sirianni, wife Sarah, a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews, his extended family the Carmelite Sisters and last but not least he is survived by his grand-dogs Abbi, Luca, Bella, Mia, Leinie, and Rufus.

Al was a kind and gentle man. He was loved by all and will be missed. He was a good husband and fantastic father. We respectfully request we all hold off on asking any intercessions from Al for the first few weeks as I am sure he will have his hands full with mom and his visits to the Celestial Casino with Tom.  

Lovingly written by #1 of 3.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass and a Rosary being held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the visitation, all at the church. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

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