I was so sorry to read about Al's death in the Canton Repository. My husband, Jim Hillibish, and I had fond memories of visiting him and Marion while he still worked for Cong. Ralph Regula. Jim, a long-time reporter at the Rep, was hired by Al in 1975. I was privileged to see them both again in the late 1990s when he came to the Ohio & Erie Canalway to promote his book, "Along the Canal." I was the site manager at Zoar and a board member of the Canalway Coalition. If it hadn't been for Al and Ralph's promotion of the canal, this wonderful resource would not now exist.
Jim and I always looked forward to getting Al's Christmas letter, and when I didn't get one this year, I wondered if he was ill. I lost my wonderful and talented husband Jim this past September after a 25-year battle with kidney cancer. I thank Al for seeing what a gifted writer he was and giving him a job at the Rep.
From the obituary, it sounds as if Al and Marion have created a great family. May you take comfort in your memories of such an accomplished man. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Kathleen Fernandez Hillibish, Canton, OH