Alfred “Al” Bertram Vancura of Garrettsville went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2024. He passed peacefully at Ohman Family Living at Briar in Middlefield, Ohio, after recently celebrating his 90th birthday with friends and family.
Alfred was born on August 24, 1934, in Cleveland. He spent his early childhood in the city until his family moved to Nelson when he was a teenager. Alfred worked on the family’s farm and attended Garrettsville High School before joining the United States Navy at age 17.
His most significant deployment involved serving as a hook runner during two world tours aboard the USS Midway, the largest warship in the world at the time. After Alfred was honorably discharged from the military, he briefly worked at Polson Rubber before becoming a serviceman at Garrettsville Hardware, where he remained until retirement.
In 1956, Alfred married Gladys (Cooper), whom he affectionately called “Gladdy.” They built their home together in Garrettsville, where they were active members of the community. The couple also owned a cabin on the York River in Ontario, Canada.
Alfred was honest, quick-witted, and hard-working. He had a self-deprecating sense of humor and often made quips in Czech that even non-speakers could understand by his cadence and mischievous smirk. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and took pride in watching his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow up.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Vancura; his son, Barry Vancura of Garrettsville; and his parents, Alfred and Louise (Bartl) Vancura of Nelson.
He is survived by his son, Randall “Randy” Vancura of Middlefield; his sister, Patricia “Pat” Willey (John Raymond Jr. “J.R.”) of Conway, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Ryan (Tiana), Diana, and Danielle of Chardon; and his great-grandchildren, Royce, Noah, and Grayson.
Calling hours will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, October 18, 2024, at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield, Ohio 44062. Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, October 18, 2024. Military honors will be held by the Burton American Legion. Following the services, he will be laid to rest in New Reformed Cemetery, Southington, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Hattie Larlham Foundation 9772 Diago
