Alfred Peter Pezzi "Al", 74, of Port Washington, died in the evening hours of December 2, 2025, at Azura Memory Care in Fox Point after a long journey with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Dementia.

Al was born on March 7, 1951, in Milwaukee to Alfred and Laura (Schultz) Pezzi. Al attended UW–Milwaukee, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. He later earned an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology–Public Works Technician from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1993. He spent his career as a Civil Engineering Technician at Ruekert & Mielke.

On September 28, 1985, Al married Karen Thornton at Lake Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, and together they built a warm and loving life. They raised their family in New Berlin, where Al enjoyed preparing delicious meals, tending his gardens, and cheering on his children at countless extracurricular activities - rain or shine or sleet.

Al's heart belonged to the north woods of Wisconsin. From an early age, he developed a passion for hunting and fishing, and it was simply understood that he would be at the family's beloved "shack" when deer season arrived. He passed on this love of the outdoors to his children, and some of his happiest memories were made up north—fishing, hunting, and spending time at the "fun house" with family, as well as welcoming extended family and friends to share in the experience.

After retiring from Ruekert & Mielke in 2016, Al and Karen moved to their dream home on the Wisconsin River in Tomahawk. There they enjoyed several wonderful years of river life—fishing, floating, working outdoors, and hosting a steady stream of visiting family and friends. Al especially relished traveling to California and Ohio to see his children, as well as venturing on European cruises with Karen.

In 2023, they returned to Port Washington to be closer to loved ones, where Al spent the final two years of his life. He could often be found relaxing in the sunroom or walking the Ozaukee Trail, always on the lookout for wildlife. Back in Port Washington, Al and Karen reconnected with old friends and embraced the community—attending plays, strolling the harbor with a warm cup of coffee, and sharing meals with the people they cherished.

Al is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Paul Pezzi of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Dr. Hannah Pezzi (Dr. John Guckenberger) of Pacifica, California; and his sister, Judith (the late Richard) Stensby of Athelstane, Wisconsin. He is further survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Scott (Rosalind) Thornton of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Elizabeth (Garret) Faulds of Colonial Beach, Virginia; Karl (Lynn) Thornton of Kewaskum, Wisconsin; and Nancy (Mark) Koehler of Grafton, Wisconsin. He also leaves behind special friends Pam Rundhaug and Larry Beck of Port Washington, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Antonia Pezzi and his parents Alfred and Laura Pezzi.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation for Al on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 2-3:30 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., in Cedarburg.

A memorial service will take place at the Funeral Home on Thursday, December 18th, at 3:30 PM. Rev. Linda Westphal-Buth will preside over the service.

Two organizations brought meaningful joy, connection, and support to Al throughout his journey: the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Network and Ozaukee County Memory Cafés, the latter supported by the Aging and Disability Resource Center's dementia specialist. In lieu of flowers, donations will be made to each of these organizations in Al's honor.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Azura Memory Care Fox Point and Allay Hospice for the kindness and support they offered to Al and his loved ones. They are also deeply thankful for the extended family and friends who have been with them throughout the years.