Local man described as ‘unsung hero’
Uniontown Police Chief Kyle Sneddon said the city lost one of its unsung heroes with the recent death of Al Lasner, who owned and operated A&L Locksmith on Gallatin Avenue for 25 years. “There is no doubt that Al helped save lives in this community. …If a kid was locked in a car or we needed to check on a senior citizen, Al was always there to help us,” Sneddon said. “He was an icon of the community and an overall great guy. I was quite upset when I heard about his passing.”
Sneddon said that Lasner, who died of pancreatic cancer Jan. 29 at his home, also was instrumental in helping him coordinate emergency management activities for the city.
“When I became the emergency management coordinator in 1985, Al was a key member of that imitative. He was a part of the police family.”
Lasner was active with other parts of the community, as well. He helped local Boy Scouts by providing his van free of charge to move camping supplies. He also allowed the Bailey Park Baseball Boosters to use his van to help move items for its concession stand. In fact, Lasner was a fixture at the concession stand, often seen unloading or loading items into his van. He also provided free locks for the concession stand.
After his death, his family suggested that memorial contributions be made to Bailey Park Baseball Boosters at 222 Braddock Ave., Uniontown.
“He would help out anyone. He never turned anybody down,” said Colleen Watson, who was Lasner’s office manager and secretary for many years. “He definitely left an impression on this area. He was very community minded.”
Sneddon and Watson both said that despite all of his hard work, Lasner was never one to boast or seek recognition for his accomplishments.
“He was a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. He never wanted any exposure,” Sneddon said.
Watson said that Lasner’s humility made him all the more special: “He was a private, humble person. He never wanted any fussing about him.”
Lasner’s strong bond with Fayette County was even more unique since he wasn’t originally from this area. Lasner grew up in Elizabeth, N.J., a suburb of Newark, and moved to Fayette County in the 1970s after he met his wife, Leona, who was from Leckrone.
After visiting Fayette County with Leona, who died in 1999, Lasner decided to make Fayette County his permanent home, a move he never regretted.
“He fell in love with Fayette County,” said Watson. “Al appreciated the friendliness of the people and the beauty of our area.”
While Lasner was aware of his illness, Watson said it never dampened his spirits or prevented him from working for the community. Lasner worked regular locksmith jobs the Monday before he died and was always himself, she said.
“Al was Al until the day he died,” Watson said. “He wasn’t doom or gloom. He knew about the cancer, but he didn’t want people to treat him any differently.”
As for the future of A&L Locksmith, Watson said the establishment has officially closed with Lasner’s death. She said Lasner recommended that his former customers now call Ross Brothers in Uniontown for any locksmith needs.
Watson added that she’ll be at the business, located at 38 N. Gallatin Ave., Monday through Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. if anyone has anything to pick up there.