Albert F. Botti
Albert F. Botti, age 84, long-time resident of Hopwood, Pa., passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 in his home with his loving wife and family by his side.
He was born July 17, 1927 in Buffington, Pa., the son of Alberico Botti and Antonia ‘Jeannette’ (Laurita) Botti.
‘Al’ graduated from Uniontown High School, Class of 1945, where he starred for the Red Raiders football team. He attended the University of Alabama and played football on the 1945 Rose Bowl Team.
He served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Education, where he also played football.
Mr. Botti began his teaching career in the Marclay School District. He was Principal at Hopwood and Hutchinson schools. While teaching, he received his Superintendent Certification after attending WVU and the University of Pittsburgh. Al was Assistant and Interim Superintendent at Laurel Highlands School District. He was also co-founder of the Intermediate Unit 1.
Al was manager of the Buffington baseball team and was a founding member and past chariman of the Hopwood Village Project, Past Chairman of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce Education Council and Citizen of the Year Award recipient, received several awards for his work with Junior Achievement, Retired Teachers of Fayette County and Pennsylvania, Boy Scout Advancement Chairman for the Old Trails District, AMVETS Post No. 103, American Legion Post No. 753 of New Salem and he enjoyed being selected as the King of Hopwood. He was a member of Saint Therese de Lisieux Roman Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and in the Funeral Choir.
In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by three brothers: Joseph, James and Fredrick Botti and four sisters: Elizabeth Moyne, Florence Porreca, Cecilia Botti and Cecilia Frankhouser.
Al is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Alexander Botti; a son Albert J. Botti and wife Roberta of Hopwood; a daughter Antoinette Botti and fiancee’ Charles Thomas of Somerset; a sister Yolanda Saghy and husband Edward of Uniontown; a brother-in-law Eugene Frankhouser; two step granddaughters: Amy and Natalie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME, 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, Pa.
The family will receive friends today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Visitation continues in the Funeral Home on Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m., followed by a mass celebrating Al’s life at 10 a.m. in the St. Therese de Lisieux R. C. Church with Monsignor Michael W. Matusak V. F., Pastor as Celebrant.
Interment will follow in Syl-van Heights Cemetery where Military Rites will be accorded by AMVETS Post 103.
St. Therese Altar Society will recite the rosary tonight at 7:30 p.m. Old Trails District Boy Scouts will have vespers tonight at 8 p.m.
The family suggests that donations may be made to St. Therese R. C. Church. Condolences are encouraged by the family on adferguson.com