Alan J. Saadi, age 79, of Greenville, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, June 22, 2019 in UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh, after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 9, 1940 to Alexi and Frances (Creighton) Saadi. He was a 1957 graduate of Strong Vincent High School in Erie and entered the U.S. Air Force that same year. He was stationed at Loring Air Force Base, Caribou, Maine with the 42nd Transportation Squadron.
Al married the former Julie A. Hunt on November 22, 1974 and together they enjoyed 45 happy years of marriage. In 1968, he moved to Greenville and opened Saadi Carpet Installation, working for many contractors and furniture stores. In 1970 he became the operator of Reynolds ARCO and in 1976 he opened Saadi Auto Service, Car Wash and Gasoline Station.
He had good friends in both Erie and the Greenville area, who were entertained by his many stories and experiences. He was known first for his dedication to his family, sharp intellect, quick wit, and the ability to cut to the heart of the matter and present solutions to any problem. He was of the Catholic Faith.
Al had a vast collection of old and new machinery and tools. He had the ability to fix anything and was creative and exceptional in woodworking, designing and crafting nautical tables, lamps, clocks, signs and more. He was a voracious reader and curious about everything. He could engage anyone on any subject and was especially interested and well-read in worldwide political history. Al was an excellent singer who loved Doo-Wop music of which he had an extensive collection. He was a loving and dedicated father to his only child and was a loving, loyal, and caring husband. He will be remembered and forever cherished for all that he was to them.
He is survived by his wife Julie, son; Alan Robert Saadi, a brother; Robert E. Saadi and his wife Lilian, his friend and mother-in-law; Beverly A. Hunt, a niece; Yvonne Saadi and a nephew; Bobby Saadi.
The family would to extend their appreciation to the UPMC Network for their compassionate care.
Per Al's wishes, cremation was chosen and there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Strayhaven Animal Shelter, 94 Donation Rd., Greenville, PA 16125. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
Julie,
My condolences to you on your loss of Al.
He was a great guy, giving me my first job.
I have many fond memories of Al during times spent with him at the Reynolds car wash and Arco.
Al was a phenomenal example of what hard work and integrity can lead to!
God’s Blessings, and prayers for you and your family!
I am really going to miss this guy. Al was my first employer while still in high school. We remained friends for 46 years.
Al always enjoyed our breakfasts and lunches together talking about growing up in Erie and his time in the Air Force.
He loved showing me his old machinery and where he traveled to find it.
He loved to talk world politics.
If your only allowed 4 stations in heaven they would be CNN, MSNBC, FOX NEWS and OLDIES MUSIC for Al.
For Julie and Alan so sorry for your loss. WE lost a good guy and friend.
I will definetly miss the old skipper coming into the paint store and showing me all of his nautical decor. Smooth sailing old skipper.