Alexander C. “Big Al” Tortorici

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Rochester/Webster:  August 31, 2013 at age 45, after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer.  Predeceased by his parents, Robert & Suzanne.  He is survived by his closest friends, Heather, Ivana, Nelson, Laura & Tara.

Services and interment held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (Cancer.org) in his memory.

For more information, or to sign “Big Al’s” online guestbook, please visit: RochesterCremation.com.  Rochester Cremation, 4044 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623, 359-2300

51 Condolences

  1. Tara on August 31, 2013 at 9:40 pm

    Love you Al, i will miss you sooo much

  2. Steve Burley on August 31, 2013 at 9:46 pm

    Big Al,

    I’ll miss that New Yawk style and those Tattoo Larry imitations. We will get that ride together when we meet again.

  3. gina spadaccino on August 31, 2013 at 9:57 pm

    I met al in 9th grade he wore the silliest grin ever he was passionate,loveable honorable and a hell raiser.over different periods in my life I would see him again,he had changed but however some parts remained the same that indescrible passion for life,his values some may not of approved and he was sensitive about that.over the last year I really began to know the real al.He was in a quest for knowledge everyone he met loved him he was teacher,a healer and he taught us about ourselves.Its not goodbye my friend its till we meet again.

  4. TONII &THOMAS J MACHOWSKI on August 31, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    MAY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FIND PEASE AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME !!! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU . . .T.N.T

  5. Darlene Farmer on August 31, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    You will be missed , but never forgotten Al

  6. DEBBIE SMITH-PERKINS on September 1, 2013 at 12:19 am

    I ENJOYED ALL THE TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER. RIP… YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY…

    DEBBIE SMITH-PERKINS

  7. James Penlon on September 1, 2013 at 12:41 am

    I only knew Al for a few years…Heather and him were the greatest couple.. they had me and my ex- Susan.. over many times, and AL, .. was always full of laughs, and was ONE HELL OF A GREAT COOK!!!!.. I could eat Als meals every day.. there was love in his cooking, as there was in everything he did. I wish more than anything, I could trade places with him.. as the world needs more people like AL.. to make us laugh, and see the great simple things in life… So going to be missed my friend…. Take charge up there, and make them all laugh.. and cook em up some great food!!.. Love ya brother!!!

  8. Lorraine Connolly on September 1, 2013 at 1:39 am

    I wanted to say how very sad I feel for Al and your family

  9. paul a zeppetella on September 1, 2013 at 2:07 am

    hay big AL!! MAY GOD BLESS U I HAVNT SEEN U IN A LONG TIME BUD … U WER ALLWAYS A GOOD FRIEND WHEN WE WER KIDS MAY U LOOK DOWN ON US BRO!!!!GOD BLESSS KID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. Sherri on September 1, 2013 at 2:34 am

    Although I never met Al. Ive heard through Tara his battle with cancer and I give my sincerest condolences to Heather and Tara, and his other close friends. I am very sorry for your loss.

  11. Kerri Ashley on September 1, 2013 at 3:31 am

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He was an amazing man and will live on in our hearts forever. Love you Al always n forever. Your suffering is over and we will meet again in heaven.

  12. Michele Wemesfelder on September 1, 2013 at 3:41 am

    Its hard to believe your gone.. Had some really nice times.. Knew you were really close to your mon.. Now you can see eachother once again.. God bless Al.. Will miss you

  13. James Morrow on September 1, 2013 at 3:51 am

    Going to miss all that good food my brother. Wish there was something I could of done. 🙁

  14. suzanne on September 1, 2013 at 12:03 pm

    God Bless you Al, thanks for the laughs you and your mom are in my prayers:(

  15. Valerie Ucci & Chris Siebert on September 1, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    A sweetheart, kind, funny, Loving man. Born to Ride. You will Never be forgotten. Rest now & we will see you down the road.

    Love you Big Al,
    Valerie & Chris

  16. barb mattimore on September 1, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    al you will be missed but never forgotten. rest in peace <3

  17. Jason Moore on September 1, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    Al was blessed. I always looked forward to his opinions, looked forward to arguing with Al about our opinions, and to sharing laughs and learning more about the world. I am so thrilled that Al did not keep his attitude and thoughts about life to himself; what a shame it would have been had he not shared his opinions. Al’s passion for life will be missed but it will not be forgotten. I wish the world was filled with more people like Al – not afraid to speak, think, and learn about the world, whether it be politics, food, religion, art, you name it, Al was interested and could be counted upon to call it as he saw it. RIP sir, I’m sorry to learn about your suffering. The world was so much better for your stay.

  18. Lisa Lummel on September 1, 2013 at 6:21 pm

    Although I never met Al, I feel as though I knew him through a mutual friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time. God Bless you Al.

  19. Shawn Green on September 1, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Big-Al,

    Those who also crossed your path were as blessed as I.

    You’ll always be in my heart friend.

    Love,
    Shawn Green
    Tampa, Florida

  20. Pamela Kreuter on September 1, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    I feel very lucky to have known you over the past 20 years! Big Al was more than a nickname for you, it was your entire personality!! That larger than life thing that just drew people to you! You had a great sense of humor and you loved to debate and have witnessed you on more than one occasion take the opposite side of something just to argue with someone….LOVED that about you by the way!!!! Years ago, you and I spoke about the fact that you were a huge influence on me going to culinary school and turning my love of food into a career and I could never thank you enough for that! You were a truly great person and you will be missed by everyone that was every lucky enough to know you!!!!!! R.I.P. Big Al, Love You!!!!!

  21. Dave on September 2, 2013 at 12:06 am

    My sincerest condolonces go out to your family …. Time heals all wounds … Dave St Johns Newfoundland Canada

  22. Pamela Foxluger on September 2, 2013 at 12:51 am

    I am completely heartbroken, I drive by your house 5 days ago thinking: I should stop and say hello” it has been a few years since I saw you last, I will not forgive myself for not stopping at the house- numerous times. You are, and always be in my heart, my freind… You have alot of freinds from over the years… you recent ones may not know us- I truly wish I could be there, but it’s private. I have been thinking of you, and I am now in shock- No words can express how I feel. I will never forget you, and those piercing blue eyes! I will always cherish you- Your freind,Pam Foxluger XO 233-2685 if you girls care enough to call! please do….

  23. Pam Foxlyger on September 2, 2013 at 4:18 am

    My friend Al, has ALOT of frieinds, a lot of them…. and we are here, wanting to give him the very best of last wishes.. Honor that, please..

  24. Pam Foxlyger on September 2, 2013 at 4:21 am

    “I love you Al, always did.. miss
    you always, and forever”
    Pammy

  25. pam on September 2, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    Gonna miss your random texts and messages…great memories of all the fun we had! All my love!

  26. Kelly RN from 3600 on September 2, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    Al- I’ll never forget the way you rocked out that bass line to ‘good night sweetheart” while I attempted to sing the chorus. It was such a pleasure meeting you, getting to know you, and taking care of you over the past few months. You truly are a first class gentleman! You taught your nurse something from that hospital bed…no matter how big the storm may be NEVER let it steal your joy. RIP.

    Heather and Ivana,
    You two ladies are the definition of the words strong, love, and loyalty!!! Continue to smile and be beautiful…that’s exactly what he would want.

    Love, Kelly

  27. Paul Button on September 2, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    My favorite memory of Al occurred when I was losing my hair and decided to shave my head. The next day at work, Al told me that “not many men look good bald, but I had the right shaped head to make it look good”. Those of you that knew Al knew he was a “man’s man”, and he had just made an “unmanly” comment. I badgered him to clarify his statement, but with every attempt, he just made it worse. Finally he realized what I was up to, and he got that twinkle in his eye, and that coy grin of his spread across his face. I will miss you Al, you we way to young to be taken from us. Go bless you Big Al.

  28. Liz on September 3, 2013 at 12:10 am

    I have only known Big Al, for a short time, but he had a heart bigger than life. Rest in Peace, Al. I am so glad that you were with Ivana, and know what a very special relationship you both had. You are at peace now, may God Bless you and your mother, always.

  29. John Graham on September 3, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    ..as I always tell people, I new Al before he was Big Al. A great, friend, artist, and most of all interesting guy. I’m glad we were able to connect after a long time off. I’m gonna miss ya man, and will never forget The man that like Mel and sweat fragrances. Ride on Bro.

  30. Tara on September 4, 2013 at 1:44 am

    Godspeed my friend! You will be missed greatly!

  31. Tim Yagasits on September 4, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    Totally shocked!
    Wish there would of been more time to build a bond.
    Rest in peace my long lost cousin.
    Tim Yagasits
    timyagasits@gmail.com

  32. Jewles Ray on September 4, 2013 at 9:13 pm

    I join so many others who knew Big Al what a wonderful man he was and how he will be so missed. “While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” – I know your with your mom now and in a better place.

    “We meet but briefly in life, if we touch each other with stardust – that is everything.” We were all blessed that we had a short time with you.. R.I.P. my dear Friend/Brother till someday we meet again. Sadly missed but no more pain. <3 You keep you in my heart.

  33. John Fleming on September 5, 2013 at 12:40 am

    Big Al, I only knew you through signs101 and facebook,…widh I’d have known you in person! Thank you for fighting a good fight and being an inspiration. May God bless your family and friends:)

  34. Kellie Jordan on September 5, 2013 at 1:19 am

    I will miss you my friend, I was your hair stylist yrs ago, and your bartender, I will miss all your sweet messages you sent me and your beautiful smile !!!! R.I.P. Love you always!!
    Kellie Jordan

  35. cindy on September 6, 2013 at 1:05 am

    I just wanted his family to know AL was a great person…

  36. Sarah Marie Ferguson on September 6, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I miss you terribly, you were like a brother to me, the brother I never had, you made everyday brighter, you were such a complete gentleman, it showed in your words and deeds! We did’nt speak a lot but we did’nt have to say much, your Memory lives on, your Spirit is Alive and Well.

  37. Victor Juarez on September 6, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    Till we meet on the other side…Show them how to cook up there. I’ll miss you bro

  38. Ivana on September 8, 2013 at 12:07 pm

    With each passing day, I miss you more and more. You were and still are my “everything” in life. I promise to keep your memory alive and to follow through with all the things we talked about. Thank you for your kindness; for letting me into your life and your heart. I shall keep your love in a very safe and protected place within me. And while I feel so lost and alone without you, I know you are near; As I walk with Jesus through life, I know you’re walking beside me in spirit. You shall always be my “King Charming”. I shall love you forever Al….
    Ivana

  39. Tracy Brucato-Cook on September 12, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    Heaven gets another angel. RIP Al. You will be missed by many. Have fun up there. Crack one with Keith!

  40. Jen Orr on September 18, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Al – what to say now? I have a small box of things I picked up for you along with a welcome home gift. A bottle of great olive oil, some Himalayan pink salt, some dried chiles and a walker that you said you would need. I was on vacation when you passed and I told you I would see you when I got back. I got back and life happened and then you popped into my mind. I posted on your wall only to find out I would never get to see your smile again. I saw you kiss frogs, cook and spend time with Harley. I loved talking food talk and I did listen to Anthony Bourdains audio book and wish we could talk and share our culinary delights. Funny how I’ll admire the sunset now and know you’re enjoying it too…just from a different perspective. You are one of a kind Big Al and while you left this world in body – you will never be forgotten and I know everytime you pop in my head…I know that means you’re checking in on me. I’ll try not to disappoint and I’m forever grateful our paths crossed. Rest easy, rest in peace and God Bless.

  41. Linda Jo on September 20, 2013 at 5:36 am

    Dearest Al,
    Words cannot express the sense of loss I am feeling. I am honored to have been a part of your life. So many wonderful memories. Your smile, your laugh, lit up every room you walked into. I know I’m still in shock because I still can’t believe your gone. I keep waiting for another text, another call….I am going to get some Italian salami next week, and it won’t be the same going in there without you 🙁

    I know you are in a better place now, free of suffering and with your mom…And that comforts me..

    Oh, and thank you for the sign you sent as I typed this. It was very powerful…I will never forget you. Never, ever!

    May you rest in peace with God!

  42. Linda Jo on September 21, 2013 at 6:55 am

    Oh…and just one more lil thing….Luv you Al!!

  43. Kelly Desvoyault on September 29, 2013 at 3:40 pm

    You will be sadly missed Al please REST IN PEACE knowing you were an honorable man, a good friend and a true Fighter!!!
    Love and Respect
    LiLKelly

  44. Linda Jo on October 21, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Missing you Al…Not one day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you…

  45. Carrie on November 3, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    I miss you, my handsome friend.
    I miss your wisdom.
    I miss your laughter.
    The gentleness of your hands.
    The kindness in your smile.
    Your beautiful eyes,
    I’ll never forget you.
    You live on in my heart.

  46. Jackie Tortorici on February 3, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    Al,
    I think of you everyday, I’m sorry that so many years passed without us seeing eachother. I enjoyed connecting with you throughout the years. Ill always remember my visits and how you used to pick on me and make me laugh when I was little. I am happy to see what great friends you had and all of the nice things they had to say about you. I always looked up to you and wished that we lived closer so that we could get to know eachother better. Even with the distance you reached out to me many times to let me know that you loved me. I’m so sorry for all that you had to go through and everyday i wished that i was there to hold your hand and help you through it. I am glad that we got to talk as much as we did in the last few months. Give my love to all of our family that you are now with, especially Grandma and Uncle Bobby. I love you! Check in on me every now and then, ok?
    Your little “cuz”- J

  47. Laurie Lavoie on March 5, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Sorry to hear this news. Such a tremendous loss, Big Al was a very special person to all those that new him. Ride high in the sky Dutch!

  48. Linda Jo on May 2, 2014 at 5:13 am

    Missing you so much Al 🙁 I just can’t seem to get you out of my thoughts. I still can’t bring myself to delete your number out of my phone. I’d give anything to hear your voice right now. Send me some strength Al….Love an miss you <3 <3

  49. Linda Jo on July 29, 2014 at 5:00 am

    Again I find myself here..Missing you so much Al…
    I love you always….

    Linda-Jo

  50. Sandy Prince on October 14, 2014 at 4:12 am

    I just found out you left us, a year later I had no idea cuz life is life. You know who you are/were to me. I’m EXTREMELY SADDENED. IF I HAD KNOWN I would’ve held your hand through this FUCKED UP journey. Loved you .

  51. John Czarecki on February 10, 2015 at 12:36 am

    Al,

    I only met you once when I came to Rochester to see my Cousin Robert “Bobby” your Step Father. We had some laughs and all I could remeber is how proud Robert was of you. I never heard of your passing and I am completely saddened by this. Please keep everyone up there laughing and let my Aunt Millie and Cousin Robert know I always think about them. Peace to you brother and God Bless.

    John Czarecki & Family

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