KOESTNER

ALFRED "AL"

Age 73, of Upper St. Clair, passed away peacefully in his home, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Hilda (Marn) and Karl Koestner. He grew up in Glendale, Queens, where he attended Sacred Heart Academy and went on to study Finance at Baruch College. He built a career in the steel industry, where he worked his way up to company Vice President.

He was a New Yorker through and through - loud, opinionated, and impossible to ignore. He loved golf, hunting, fishing, the Steelers, the stock market, but most of all, his grandchildren. Life with him was never quiet or boring - he had a way of filling every room with his energy, his quick wit, and his unmistakable presence. He showed love in his own way - through advice, honesty, humor, and simply being there. He was strong, stubborn, and true to himself right to the end.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Koestner; his children, Christopher (Sarah) Koestner, Jennifer (Andrew) Brackin, Melissa (Brandon) Smith; his grandchildren, Colin and Cason Brackin, Joselyn and Jillian Smith; and many who loved him deeply.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at St Clair Hospital, Sipe Infusion Center, Hillman Cancer Center, and the UPMC Family Hospice team for their compassion, guidance, and care.

Friends and family are welcome at BEINHAUER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, on Sunday, January 11, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; with a service to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Al to Hillman Cancer Center, www.upmchillman.com/donate.

When my dad was teaching me how to drive, he said, "always assume the other person is an idiot." It summed him up. Over the years, it became something I carry with me: a reminder to be patient, to keep perspective, and to not let the world harden you.

Dad, I love you. We will miss every laugh, every stubborn moment, every bit of you.

Written by Melissa Smith.