STIDLE

ALFRED G.

Alfred G. Stidle, 73, passed away peacefully on July 25th. Al was an artist, a devoted family man, a prodigious collector, a philosopher, a creative cook, an unbelievably talented musician, a devoted friend, and if we listed all of his superlatives, it would require a second obituary that he wouldn't want to pay for. A 1971 graduate of North Catholic, in the course of his long professional life, he reinvented himself repeatedly, starting as a musician at 16 (lead guitar), an antiques dealer (Scavengers), a radio promoter (Magic 97), a newspaper circulations manager (InPittsburgh and Pulp), a consultant (Big Ideas), and more. Throughout all of his incarnations, he maintained a complexity and sharp sense of humor that charmed everyone he touched.

He and his beloved wife, Debra Fyock married in 1979. In 1983, they welcomed son Matthew Stidle (Carrie) into the world. In 2014, his grandson Milo Stidle was born. Al thoroughly enjoyed his grandfather role, producing birthday puppet shows, encouraging his budding interest in music, and instilling in him the Stidle family's sense of (sometimes inappropriate) humor.

Al is survived by his brothers Leonard R. Stidle, Jr. (Susan) and Gary Stidle (Diane) and numerous treasured nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as countless dedicated friends who have been pivotal to his happiness and care during his illness.

Al deeply loved his family and his friends, as they did him. He has been a dutiful and thoughtful caretaker, most notably to his grandmother Rosalia Anthony, as well as to any and all friends in need. To the very end of his battle with cancer, he was checking on loved ones, ensuring their ongoing safety and security.

A lifelong Pittsburgher who grew up north of the Allegheny and settled south of the Mon, he had both appreciation for tradition and place, and a profound openness to novelty and perspectives well outside of his own. As much as Pittsburgh molded him, so he molded his Pittsburgh. The hills that cradled him all of his life will always bear his impression.

There will be no funeral – everyone who knew Al will agree that a big party is more appropriate, details about which will be forthcoming. In keeping with Al's love of all things Pittsburgh, donations may be made in his memory to Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh 15222 (link: https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/give/make-a-donation/)

www.thomasjgmiterfh.com