Obituary for Alexander "Al" Fidelibus

Alexander (Al) James Fidelibus was born on December 19, 1926 in Port Chester, NY and passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on September 23, 2022, at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 56 years, Gloria Fidelibus who died on March 13, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose Fidelibus of Port Chester, NY. He is survived by his children, James Fidelibus of Columbus Ohio, Alex (Sachiyo) Fidelibus of Jersey City, NJ, Alison (Gary) Stofle of Westerville, Ohio, Cathy Ann Maguire of Columbus, Ohio and daughter-in-law Dianne Fidelibus of Columbus, Ohio. He immensely enjoyed his grandchildren Katie (Cory) Himsworth, Alexandra (Nick) Dies, Walter (Teake) Maguire, Chandler Maguire, Connor Maguire, Robert Fidelibus and Gloria (Brett) McCallum. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his great-grandchildren: Marie and Mae Himsworth, Max, Wyat and Zinnia McCallum, Elodie and Oona Maguire and Rosemary Dies.

In November 1943, after graduating from high school, Al enlisted in the Army Air Corps. For part of his time in service, he was a member of the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program (ASTRP) and studied to become an air cadet at Niagara University.

Al supported his family by working as a mason, being the last in a line of Italian stonemasons from whom he inherited talent as an artist. Al was a ‘renaissance’ man. He was a gifted poet and enjoyed making up poetry for a person or an occasion. His collected works are published in a book “A Bricklayer’s Inspiration: Art and Verse for the Rest of Us”. Al was an artist who drew in pencil, pastels and oils and has produced a number of pieces of art that have graced his apartment. He was also a wood carver and was quite adept at carving horses. Al was a consummate athlete and enjoyed bocci, racketball (he was the racketball champion in Port Chester NY) and bowling as well as golf. He golfed into his 80’s. Al was a lover of music and sang as well as played piano and harmonica.

Al could build anything – whatever he decided to build or make he did. He built two houses for his family from the foundation up and helped his friends when they were building their houses. Al had a very generous heart and supported family and friends in a number of ways.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be sent to Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus Ohio, 614 566-5377.

Friends may call 10:30 to 11:30 am, Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Hill Funeral Home followed by Informal Remembrances starting at 11:30 am.