Albert "Al" Richway

Albert “Al” Richway passed from this earth in the early morning of May 16, 2024. His sister Jeanne was at his bedside. He was 65.

Albert was born in Syracuse, New York on November 26, 1958 to May and Clifford Richway. He was the fifth of seven children with two brothers and four sisters. Al spent most of his life in and around Syracuse, except for his time in the service and at college.

His father passed when Al was 6 years old. As a result, there wasn’t a lot of money, but there was a lot of loving family looking out for him and caring for his happiness, especially his older brother Bill. In this environment, Al thrived. Thanks to his mother’s wise decisions, Al grew up on the North Side in a safe neighborhood where there were plenty of other kids, a park near by and lots to do. Many good memories were made there.

From an early age, Al had a way of getting into your heart even though you knew he was going to do something outrageous. He was charming and found great enjoyment in life. He was easy with people and could talk to everyone. Al was also very intelligent and intuitive.

As a young man, he was a good athlete. He was involved in several sports but was especially drawn to ice hockey and football. He was a passionate fan of the New York Giants.

Al enlisted in the United States Army at an early age; his mom had to sign for him. He found discipline and pride in his service to his country. He spent a good deal of his service time in Germany. That experience opened his eyes to great potential that life could offer. Al often said that joining the Army was the best move he ever made in spite of the injuries he sustained while in the service that would affect him for the rest of his life. That was Al. Even when bad things happened, he focused on the good.

After his years in service, Al earned an Associate’s Degree at OCC, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology at SUNY Tech in Utica. After college, he worked at a local alarm company. He enjoyed this work and found it fascinating. It was during this time met and married Janet Elvey. They had several good years together and although they eventually divorced, they remained friends.

Al faced some difficult times in his life. But with his strong spirit and the support of his family, he got through them and built a great life for himself. His mother and siblings were always there for him, especially his sister Jeanne. Jeanne advocated for him with great love and tireless determination.

Al also had a close relationship with his brother Bill. Al was always there for Bill, calling him every day, taking him to his appointments, and playing chess with him.

Al was always fun to talk to and fun to be with. He had an excitement for life. We shall miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank the nurses in 10H and 10E at Upstate Hospital, and the nurses in 6B at the VA hospital. Al spent a long time in both places and was given excellent, compassionate care by the nursing staffs. Al’s humor and personality gained him friendship and camaraderie with many of his nurses.

Al is survived by brother, Robert Richway of Pocatello, Idaho; sisters, Jeanne Carter of Baldwinsville, Kathy (Peter) Carter of Syracuse and Laura Richway of Berkley, California; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, May and Clifford Richway; brother, William Richway; and sister, Joni (John) Cluett.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5-6PM at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, where a funeral service will follow at 6PM.
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