Carapella, Alfred Richard

Alfred Richard Carapella, lifelong resident of Tuckahoe and Eastchester, NY passed away peacefully on October 17, 2020. He was 93 years old. Al was born on April 26, 1927 on Maynard Street in Tuckahoe, NY, son of Italian immigrants Pasquale and Quindalina (Consorte) Carapella. Al is predeceased by his sisters Elizabeth and Lilian, brothers John, Victor and Bernadino "Toots".
After graduating Tuckahoe High School, Al proudly served his country in WWII stationed in Germany. While stationed there he played football for the Berlin Bears while also carrying out his duties as a Military Policeman in the Army. Upon returning from the war he went on to the University of Miami where he was a standout on the football and baseball teams. He was the first All American Football player at the University and earned many accolades such as Miami’s prestigious Iron Arrow Society Award. From 1951 to 1955, Al was a two-way ironman for the National Football League’s Western Conference San Francisco 49ers. After his career in the NFL, he earned a master's degree from Indiana University. He met his wife of 60 years Reva June (Mendednhall) and married on December 27, 1959. Al coached collegically in many places, Fort Hayes Kansas, University of Virginia and George Washington University. He and Reva then settled back in Eastchester and had daughters, Cathy Carapella (Bob Quigley), Susan Kelly (Gregg) and Jennie Croke (Bob). “Big Al” now was working in the Mt. Vernon School District where he first was a teacher, then Division C principal and finally the Assistant Principal and Dean of Discipline. Al was inducted into the University of Miami’s Sports Hall of Fame, Westchester County Sports Hall of Fame and Tuckahoe High School Hall of Fame. Al’s skill set was not just limited to athletic endeavors. He was lauded by three generations for his culinary contributions to holiday feasts and seasonal barbecues. His artistic side found an outlet in many creative arts and crafts projects. He made many meaningful and lasting friendships with the faculty and students of Mt.Vernon. After retirement he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and 6 grandchildren: Billy Quigley, Colleen, Daniel and Brendan Kelly and Maggie and Hayley Croke.
Al always thought he was very fortunate with the many aspects of his life. He dedicated his life to his family and the care of others. Al was eternally grateful and appreciative of a rewarding and fulfilling life. He always believed in “acknowledging his good fortune by sharing it”. His devotion to his friends and family was inspiring and a true testament to his character. Heaven is a better place with “Big Al”.

Friends may visit on Thursday - October 22, 2020 from 4-7PM at the WESTCHESTER FUNERAL HOME,INC.. You may leave the family an online condolence at www.westchesterfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please do an act of kindness for someone or donate to Eastchester Fire / EMT department.