Albert Peter Konopka

Albert Peter Konopka, a skilled engineer, marine mechanic, automotive collector and tinkerer, handyman extraordinaire, avid boater and teller of tall fishing tales, devoted husband, father, grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024, at the age of 81. Ever a gear head, he had a love of classic cars and the ability to repair almost anything. With a voracious appetite for reading and an uncanny knowledge of arcane scientific and historical facts, he continually amazed his family and friends with his stories and jokes. He had a tireless work ethic, an enduring passion for cars, and countless memories made with family and friends on the water.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, Al developed an early love for all things mechanical. After attending Newark College of Engineering, he built a classic Corvette from the ground up. Drag racing stock cars with his brother Philip at the track, building and replacing engines, and restoring and painting cars, Al was happiest tinkering on offbeat cars (Impalas, ’57 Studebakers Golden Hawk, Camaros, hot rod turbo diesel dually). 

As a father, Al’s favorite days were spent in the garage with his daughter Bernadette handing him tools, on the water and camping in the Florida Keys, especially at Pelican Yacht Club, sharing his love of the outdoors with his children and teaching his son Scott how to fish and shoot. Those who loved him will forever remember his stories around the kitchen table while eating his kielbasa and macaroni salad. 

Al’s career path and skills were as wide and varied as his interests. In Fort Lauderdale, Al worked in sales, then opened Bert’s Marine Service in Fort Lauderdale. Al loved to fabricate and weld parts that were no longer available and he could fit a square peg into a round hole. 

Moving his family North to Boca Raton, Al built the family home in Long Lake Estates as an owner/builder, while working at IBM with positions in engineering, robotics and sales. Al took early retirement, then moved to NC and Palm Coast, Florida, where he worked as a foreman for Habitat for Humanity building homes for the needy in Flagler County, Florida. 

A frequent speaker at AA meetings, Al had many friends in the rehab and recovery community. He was a mentor who gladly imparted his life experiences to a younger generation.

Beyond his work and volunteering, Al was happiest driving fast cars (he loved going 0-60 in his Hyundai Sonata turbo) and motorcycles (even buying a dirt bike at 77 years young), playing the organ as a self-taught musician, travelling Route 66, camping with his fifth wheel at Flint Lock Campground in Boone, NC, traveling with his wife Nancy, back country camping in Alaska, writing short stories, telling jokes to to his children and 5 granddaughters, and reclining with his dogs Lucy and Dezi, then Elllie and Schultzie, in his lap. 

Al is survived by his loving family, including Nancy Capps, Bernadette Miller (Jim Miller), Scott Konopka (Julie Konopka), grandchildren Taylor, Erin, Kelsey, Somer and Rylee, niece Linda Eason and grandnieces Madelyn, Abegail and Emily. He leaves behind a legacy of love, fast cars and giving back to his community. 

He will be missed deeply and remembered fondly, as we carry forward his love. In his honor, the family asks that you take a moment to consider rescuing a dog that needs a home, volunteering as a shelterdog walker, or donating toys and food to your local rescue shelter. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greenville Humane Society.