Larry Cohen’s Memories of Al Sasportas
Once again it's hard to believe it's been 15 years since Uncle Al died. That's what I always called him even though some knew him as Abe. My early memories of him were when I went to live on Musket Trail. As you can imagine I was a bit uncertain of my future so I tried to be on my best behavior. That was good because I was afraid of him at first. I wasn't used to a strong Father figure so his presence was a little intimidating to me, though I tried my best not to show it. A few times when I slept in the basement recreation (rec) room and stayed in bed a little too long I would hear the door open and his work boots coming down the stairs to go to his office. That was intimidating! (right Ronnie?)
One thing I clearly remember was that Uncle Al wasn't a sports fan. I can't recall him ever throwing the ball around. I think he found sports a time waster. One time I asked him "Uncle Al, what's your favorite sport?" and he said dancing!! And what a dancer he was. He would always be taking Aunt Pearl out dancing and she told me that it was tough because all the other women wanted to dance with him. Their husbands were klutzes.
I remember Uncle Al as a worker. I was amazed at how hard he worked. He was always either going to or coming from "the job". As I grew older I realized that his work became his reputation. It was a lesson well learned. Everyone respected him. A "Sasportas built house" was the envy of all. Even now, re-sales mention his name in the ads. He was also a man of integrity who avoided doing anything that would discredit his good name. I saw how he loved and respected his parents and looked up to his father especially as a religious example. He was active in the synagogue and an unapologetic, zealous supporter of Israel. I used to love sitting at the kitchen table when I was in high school debating him on political topics. Sometimes he would get so intense his face would turn red and he'd pound the table to make his point. I loved his passion for the things he believed in.
Al was also a generous man and though it was Aunt Pearl who opened the door for me, it was Uncle Al who paid my way. I still can't imagine what the discussion must have been between them. Many would have said no. He said yes and that made all the difference. Nothing made me feel better than when after I did a job for him such as sweeping out his houses, cleaning the basement, even making him lunch, and of course my all time favorite, mowing the lawn (8 rows!) he would look it over and say "well done". It instilled confidence in me and gave me the chance to please him which was very important to me. When he was dying I spent a lot of time with him discussing his life. He was a contented man in that he loved his children and grandchildren and had found Irma after Pearl had died. There wasn't a lot he would change. I think he would have enjoyed spending more time in Israel but now he's in an even better place than that. Thank you Uncle Al for being the person you were. I'll never forget you.