Albert George Larese, 96, of Meriden, loving husband for 54 years of the late Anna T. (Koncki) Larese, passed away peacefully, Thursday, April 28, 2022 at MidState Medical Center.

Albert was born in Meriden, January 7, 1926, the son of the late Flavio Larese and Catherine (Zande) Larese and had been a lifelong Meriden resident.  He was educated in the Meriden school system and was a proud World War II veteran, serving with the U.S. Army 87th Infantry, Golden Acorn Division, D Day+6. Albert was employed by the Napier Co. in Meriden until his retirement in 1991.  His storytelling skills were honed behind the bar as a professional mixologist at Gallo's Restaurant and the Yankee Silversmith Parlor Car Bar.

"Big Al", "Sonny" or "Beka" as he was affectionately known enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening, friendly felines and was a devoted Red Sox fan.  His trademark was wearing red socks every day of his adult life.  He was an umpire for little league baseball and ASA softball for over 25 years, as well as a volunteer basketball coach at the Boys Club of Meriden, St. Stanislaus School and the Napier Company.

He is survived by his children Laura Larese-Therrien (James Therrien) of Old Saybrook, Ann Marie Larese (Heather Chenette) of Dedham, MA, and Jennifer Speeg (Adam Speeg) of Meriden; his daughter-in-law Maryann Larese of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren Scott and Sara h Larese , Sandra and Wayne Nixon, Stacey and Shannon Larese, Zachary Therrien, Travis and Michelle Therrien, Chloe and Grace Speeg; his great grandchildren Tyler and Kirra Larese, Jacob and Samuel Nixon, Sydney and Jordan Scadden and Summer Larese. He was predeceased by his son Dr. John Z. Larese, his sisters Alice Philibert and Norma Pliska , special companion Elfriede Kunze and many beloved members of the Koncki clan.  Al's family would like to thank the hospice team at MidState Medical for their loving care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, St. Joseph Church, 22 Goodwill Ave., Meriden.  There will be no public calling hours.  Interment with military honors will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Albert may be sent to the Meriden Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.