Al J. Sandy

Al J. “Red” Sandy, age 88, of Dover died Tuesday, March 5, 2013 in his home following an apparent heart attack.

A son of the late Sam and Mary (DiNino) Sandy, Al was born at Midland, Pennsylvania on June 23, 1924. He attended Dover High School and entered into the United States Army on August 24, 1943. He proudly served his country in the European Theatre having participated in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained while in service.

Following his honorable discharge, on June 12, 1947, Al married the former Mary Jane Knisely, in St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. The couple reared two daughters and shared in 65 years of devoted marriage.

Professionally, Al served as a lab technician at Marlite Wood Products for 35 years prior to his retirement in 1983. He carried through with his passion for woodcrafts at home as well and was an accomplished woodworker, having made many beautiful home furnishings, that included quilt racks, dressers and coffee tables. Al was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing at Oak Shadows and other area courses.

Through the years, Al attended both St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches and held memberships in the Knights of Columbus and was a life member of the Dover VFW Post 3426. For the past couple of years, Al has been a devoted caregiver to his wife, Jane.

In addition to his wife, Al is survived by two loving daughters, Karen (fiancée, Ron Krohn) McKittrick of Mantua, Ohio and Joyce (husband, Jihad) Beaino of New Jersey; a brother, Vince (Jackie) Sandy of Dover, and a brother-in-law, Joseph Lanza of Dover.

Four grandchildren, Jason (wife, Wilhelmina) McKittrick, Staci (husband, John) Haag, Samantha Beaino and Maurice Beaino; three great-grandchildren, Xavior and Cloe McKittrick and Owen Haag as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Ian McKittrick; a sister, Julia Lanza, and a brother, Jesse Sandy.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, March 9, 2013 from 11:00 – 1:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Father Steven Lanza will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 1:30 PM in St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. Entombment with military honors will follow in the Dover Burial Park. Following services, all are invited to return to the Hospitality Room of the Geib Funeral Center where a meal and fellowship will be shared.