Alfred J. Rotella, age 98, passed away on June 1, 2024. He was born at home in Steubenville, Ohio on January 29, 1926, to the late Joseph and Theresa (Marti) Rotella. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (DiCarlo) Rotella, brothers Anthony and Frank Rotella, and sister Rose (Rotella) Galanos.

Al leaves behind a devoted family: his wife Carol (Woods) Rotella, his children Al (Mona) Rotella of Santa Barbara, Dan (Darlene) Rotella of Gahanna, Ray (Toni) Rotella of Zanesville, and Annette (Rob) Crawford of North Canton, his grandchildren Jason (Anuja) Rotella, Lauren (Joe) Bergesen, Rebecca (Matt) Oberdorfer, Brian (Katie) Rotella, Christopher (Lindsay) Rotella, Teresa Rotella, Raymond (Diana) Rotella, Jennifer (Matt) Wojciechowski, Ian (Alyssa) Crawford, Olivia (Drew) Gerber, and Benjamin Crawford, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 on the way, Carol’s children Joe Siragusano of Austin, and Lori (Bill) Edmondson of Erie and their children Jessica and Jeffrey Edmondson; and siblings, Phyllis Riapos, Joe (Elaine) Rotella, Sam (Marilyn) Rotella and Mary Jo (Carey) Canella.

Al worked many jobs throughout his life. He was a conductor for the Pennsylvania Railroad, owned a gas station, built homes with his brothers, did electrical work, and was a butcher. He served his country in WWII in the 71st Infantry Division of the Army. He earned 2 bronze stars for fighting in battle and liberating a concentration camp. Al was one of the 1st veterans to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington DC. Al lived most of his life in Mingo Jct., Ohio before moving to Westerville. He was a devout Catholic and was very active at St. Agnes Church in Mingo Jct. with the Cursillo, RCIA, and Search movements, and as a Eucharistic Minister and reader. Al loved to travel and went on many cruises. He traveled all over the country and loved visiting his children and grandchildren. He also spent many Veteran’s Days at his grandkids' schools talking to the students about serving his country. Al loved Ohio football on all levels, high school, college, and the NFL. He loved sharing old stories with everyone during visits and family parties. He was truly our hero and patriarch of the family.

Al is most proud of his Italian heritage, fighting for his country and his FAMILY. His favorite saying was, “I have the best damn family in the land!”

Visitation will be held from 1-4 PM on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Al was a member of the Church of Resurrection in New Albany, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Monday, June 10, 2024 with Fr. Denis Kigozi presiding, 6300 E Dublin Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054. Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 PM at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 94 Mount Calvary Lane, Steubenville, Ohio 43952, with Fr. Dunfee presiding from St. Agnes Church.

The family would like to thank Country-View of Sunbury, VA (Veterans Administration), hospice, and everyone who helped make his last days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Honor Flight Network. They can be reached at honorflight.org or at 937-521-2400. Donations can be made “In memory of Alfred J. Rotella” either by mail or online.