1947 - 2025
Born in Orange, New Jersey to Ransford and Annette Kober, Al’s early life took him across several states before the family ultimately returned to New Jersey. Al was 17 when he graduated Madison, NJ High School, the youngest in his graduating class, and though he had no plans to attend college, an important conversation with his parents would set him on a new path. After much discussion, his parents signed off on his enlistment to the United States Army.
Al entered the Army in 1954 and served three years, including 31 months as a Military Police in Germany. He was stationed 18 months in Munich, and 13 months in Berchtesgaden. Following his honorable discharge, he used the Korean GI Bill to briefly attend Michigan State University, later returning home to begin a career in insurance, following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a property and casualty insurance adjuster.
In 1959, Al married Fran, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. As their family grew, Al committed himself to creating opportunities for them. While working full-time and raising four children with Fran, he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University night school, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in 1967, something he viewed as a personal triumph made possible by both GI Bills.
In 1970, Al and his family settled in Franklin, MA, after he accepted a new role with the Mutual Fire Association of New England. His career advanced steadily—he obtained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation in 1977 and eventually became President of Mutual Fire. At age 63, he began what he fondly called “the best job he ever had” as Vice President of Administration for The Andover Companies, also serving on the Board of Bay State Insurance Co. He retired in 2014 at the age of 77.
Beyond work, Al had a vivid set of passions and joys. He was a devoted fan of Hank Williams and old style country music, Westerns, Kettle One Vodka, and The Duke John Wayne. He was rarely without a paperback novel nearby. Deeply proud of his military service, Al supported Veteran’s organizations and regularly gifted U.S. Flags to family members.
Donations in his honor may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the USO.
A private family service will be held with a celebration of life in the spring.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway.
