Abel Petzker

Abel Petzker (Big A) was born March 14, 1933 and passed away peacefully November 9, 2024.

He was born in Yugoslavia, and came to the United States with his family when he was 18 years old. He became a U.S. Citizen when he was 54 years old.

He and his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy, settled in Akron, OH. where they raised their 7 children.

Big A, as he was called by many, was a pipe layer by trade. He worked for the railroad, Shullo construction, before retiring from Kenmore construction with 27 years of service.

He loved his family fiercely and would do anything for them. His favorite sport was soccer, which he played well into his 50's. He enjoyed playing cards, especially 6 handed euchre. He enjoyed dancing and listening to Polka music. He loved his gardening and was so proud of his Akron Beautification awards. He also loved boating, watching cowboy movies, the Price is Right and Let's Make a Deal. He loved making homemade sausage which was a family affair, while enjoying the occasional glass of wine and eating cherry pie, his favorite dessert.

He was a member of the German Family Society, where a soccer field is dedicated to him and his good friend Marty Misbrener.

Big A was preceded in death by his infant son, His parents, Frank and Angelina and step mother Katherine.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Frank (Nadine), Michael, Katherine Hahn, Stephen, Joseph (Anne), Barbara, and Theresa. Grandchildren, Stefanie (Tony), Jennifer (Josh), Joshua (Kristen), Sarah (Ryan), Sean (Smilja), Amanda, and Diana. Big A also had 9 great grandchildren. Brother John (Anna), Sister's Mary Clements, Rose Schneider, and Ann (Francis) Pramik.

He will be forever missed for his smile, kindness, generosity, firm handshake, his unique interpretation of the English language, his laugh and his words of wisdom.

Rest in Peace Big A.

Friends and family may call Friday November 15, 2024 from 10-11am at Visitation of Mary Parish located at 55 Broad St. Akron, OH 44305 with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11am.