Albert “Al” Charles Witzig
elevated qKmhb May 24, 1948 – January 30, 2025
elevated qKmhb Funeral Mass
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated qKmhb Click here to view the Funeral Mass
elevated qKmhb Obituary
Sadly, our caring, wise and witty Albert “Al” Witzig passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 76. Our “man for all seasons” was a beloved husband to Judith, loving father to Michael, a dear brother to Ann Lesser and numerous cousins throughout upstate New York and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). He was a beloved husband to Carmen Rios Witzig (deceased). Al will be remembered by his lifelong friends, business associates, and all whose lives he touched.
elevated qKmhb A native of Buffalo, New York, Al completed a master’s in Theology from the Collegium Canisianum in Innsbruck, Austria and a master’s in Public and International Affairs/Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University in New Jersey. His lifelong fascination with trains and transit and his fluent German resulted in internships and continuing friendships in Berlin, Aachen, and Wuerzburg, Germany, as well as in Copenhagen, Denmark. Along the way, he honed his love for motorcycles and beer. Al worked for both New Jersey and New York City Transit before moving into consulting with Fluor Daniels, Frederick R. Harris, DMJM Harris and AECOM. Here in the GTA he worked with Delcan. Al’s work brings daily congestion relief to many in southern California with the Metrolink commuter rail system and here in the GTA with the VIVA bus and the soon to open Finch Light Rail line. His work in highspeed rail with the Florida High Speed Rail project and magnetic levitation work expanded his knowledge and reach. His final project was a contribution to a new light rail line in Jerusalem, Israel.
elevated qKmhb Social justice and community service were fundamental to Al’s being. Al’s public policy and community service were brought to the fore as a CORO Fellow in southern California. He served on the Refugee Resettlement Committee of St. Luke’s Parish, contributing to the successful immigration of several refugee families. He furthered this work with additional parishes with the Archdiocese of Toronto. He served on a community relations board in Staten Island and more recently was an active member of the Thornhill Federal Liberal Association: contributing, door knocking for candidates and serving at the polls on election day. Al was never prouder than when he cast his first vote as a Canadian Citizen in 2021.
elevated qKmhb Al’s greatest accomplishment was being a Dad to Michael. Together they had epic road trips to New York and from California to Thornhill; building great driving skills, wonderful, shared memories and a love of motorcycles. His antique BMW R5/75, veteran of several cross-country road trips, awaits Michael.
elevated qKmhb Music provided the grace notes in Al’s life. Early days of Peter, Paul and Mary, a favorite concert of Simon and Garfunkel, the Hoboken Festivals, and love of Jazz, were rounded out by more classical singing. He was a member of the Princeton Glee Club and reconnected with choral music as a member of Markham’s Village Voices choir for a dozen years. His deep bass voice was heard during his final days singing along with a selection of Handel’s Messiah. As Al said, “what is a day without a little Mozart?” He truly was a man for all seasons.
elevated qKmhb In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinsons Canada. https://www.parkinson.ca/get-involved/personal-giving/
I am deeply sorry to hear of Al’s passing. What a life he lived. Condolences Judi and Michael.
It saddens me deeply to hear Al passed away. I have so many fond memories of visiting their home during the years Michael and I were hockey teammates. Al was always very kind and welcoming and so was the Witzig family. My sincere condolences to Judi and Michael.
In grateful memory of Albert Witzig: A dear friend since his student days, an admirable companion to our children during this important phase of their lives.
R.I.P.
Mechtild and Wolfgang
Sincerest condolences to all of Al’s family! My heart goes out to Judi and Michael at this very difficult time!
Al was a most enthusiastic member of Village Voices when I was their conductor and I remember him as a very kind and gentle person, whose bass voice and cheerful personality were always missed when he was unable to attend a rehearsal!
Rest in peace, Al!
Just got a message from Dan Gennarelli. We were sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you Judi, and with your son Michael at this difficult time. Our most sincere condolences.
I always disliked people that called me friend but hardly knew me. Al never needed to say the word friend. I don’t know of a better man than Al. I feel empty without him around. No man touched my heart like Al. You had to be in Al’s presence to realize the depth of this man. The world is not the same with Al gone. I cry to think of it each time.
You watch the sun slowly set, and yet are shocked when it suddenly gets dark. Franz Kafka
Dear Al, all the best to you in that unknown but hopefull sphere.