This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Albert A. Luukko of Guilford passed away peacefully on Dec. 15. His wife of 64 years, Nancy, was by his side.

He was born Sept. 6, 1931, in Auburn, Massachusetts, the youngest of seven children to Thomas William and Hilda Johanna Salminen.

He graduated in 1950 from Auburn High School, where he competed on the school’s football and basketball teams and was quoted in his school yearbook saying, “Never let books interfere with your education.”

He cherished the moments of seeing both his two sons also graduate from Auburn High School: Peter (1977) and Eric (1980).

Upon graduation, he served his country in the Korean War for two years. He later owned and operated Industrial Forklift Trucks for many years in Worcester, Massachusetts. At the time of his retirement in 1997, he was the assistant superintendent at Tatnuck Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Once retired, he and his wife resided in Edgewater, Florida, for nearly 25 years and recently moved to Connecticut to be near his family.

He enjoyed being with his family and his loving wife of nearly 65 years, where he was “King Al” to all who loved him. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow, and sharing stories with them.

He was an avid golfer and enjoyed following his Boston Bruins hockey team until his son, Peter, became president of the Philadelphia Flyers and later the Florida Panthers.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (née Bruso); sister, Ellen Willette of Auburn, Massachusetts; his two sons, Peter (Casey) of Essex, and Eric (Eileen) of Sutton, Massachusetts; and his five grandchildren, Nicholas A. Luukko, Emily K. Harrison (Jack), Dana C. Luukko, Max A. Luukko, and Samuel T. Luukko.

He is predeceased by his brothers William, Toivo, Reino, and Sulo and his sister Helen.

A service was held on Dec. 21 at First Congregational of Deep River. Contributions may be made in his memory to “Guilford Park & Recreation Seniors” by check only: Attn: Terry Holland-Buckley/Luukko, Nathaniel B. Greene Community Center, 32 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437.