"The smell of the shoe shop is hard to forget, Al carried on the Samolinski tradition, the same as my father, Wally Smith. Al married into my Samolinski cousins, and when I was in town I would always meet Jean and Al at Church. Such a friendly fellow. Prayers to the family."
In loving memory of
Alfred Savina
September 8, 1929 - March 15, 2021
Alfred "Al" Savina, of Antigo, died Monday, March 15, 2021, at his home. He was 91 years old. He was born on September 8, 1929, in Langlade County, a son of Henry and Gladys (Hruska) Savina. He married Jean Samolinski on September 16, 1950, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church in Antigo. She preceded him in death on May 23, 2017.
He graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1947 and attended Vocational School for a year. After graduation, he worked with his family at the Nash Rambler Automobile Dealership in Antigo until 1957. Al then apprenticed in the shoe repair shop with his father-in-law, Peter Samolinski, owner of Samolinski Shoe Repair Service on Fifth Avenue. He later purchased the business from his mother-in-law, Maggie. Al became known as the "Fifth Avenue Sole Saver". He retired after 62 years of sole saving.
Al was a proud supporter of youth hockey, having been inducted into the Langlade County Youth Hockey Association Hall of Fame. All the players said that after Al sharpened their skates they were the fastest skaters on the ice.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and friends. Al always looked forward to the fishing trips he took with his Antigo fishing buddies up to Dryden, Ontario, Canada to visit and fish with friends there.
Survivors include two daughters, Cathy (Frank) Pugliese of Des Moines, Iowa and Susan Roby of Phoenix, AZ; two sons, Andrew Savina and Mitchell (Aimee) Savina all of Antigo; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kathleen Bera of Little Chute and Paula Smith of Appleton; and a brother-in-law, James Herring of Sheboygan.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Ruth Bolen, Audrey Herring, Rita Marckx, and a sister in infancy.
A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 19 at 11 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Reverend Joel Sember officiating. Visitation will be Friday at the Bradley Funeral Home from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
A private entombment will take place at the Queen of Peace Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al's name may be directed to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, 5003 Tradewinds Parkway Madison, WI 53718 (lebw.org/funding/)
To watch the recording of Al's funeral Mass please go to: https://youtu.be/yTbpHbei39U
Tributes
"Sympathy to the Al Savina Family,
Always enjoyed talking to Al when picking up our skates at the shop. Heard some good fishing stories too. He will always be part of Antigo Hockey.
Pam and Mike Sohasky
"
"Our sympathy and positive thoughts to you Andy, and to Sue, Cathy and Mitch as well. So glad we had a chance to meet Al. He was such a character, so enjoyable. May your memories comfort you. Kimberly G and John C."
"Cathy and Sue I?m so sorry for your loss now he?s with your mom prayers for all in your time of grief my condolences Kate VandeHey"
"My thought and prayers are with the family. I used to see and talk to Al often. He was such a staple in the community for so many years. I will miss our conversations. Fly with the angels Al."
"We have fond memories of Al . Not only was the town hockey skate sharpener but he fixed any and all hockey equipment. He repaired our saddles bridles and halters for our horses too. At our house it was no worries AL cans fix it Thoughts and prayers for family he will be missed . One of a kind Becky McKinney McPhail "
"Al truly was a friend of Antigo Hockey. I can remember countless trips to Al's shop to have my boys hockey skates sharpened. He would greet you with a smile and a story--always pleasant. And if I couldn't make it back to the shop before closing, Al would leave the skates outside the door so I could get them. He was a true fan of hockey and its members. You could see him at many weekend home games. And I'm sure that's why he did the best job of sharpening skates. He knew how each skater skated and knew where to put the "edge" for best performance. Al was a true gift to the Antigo community. My deepest sympathy to Mitch and all of Al's family. Katie Klemp"