Albert Henry Konetzni, ”AL” 100, of Bradenton, passed away February 8, 2016.
Al was born May 19, 1915 in New York City, NY to the late Anton Albert and Wilhemina (Heuer) Konetzni. He was a graduate of Pratt Institute of Art in New York. He worked while attending school in the Ad Dept. of Gertz Company in Long Island. He later on went to work for Pal Personna Blade Company where he developed the Pal Man Character. He then went to work for Disney as an Idea Man for nearly 30 years. While at Disney he was best known for designing the Disney School Bus Lunchbox, along with the development and licensing of Disney merchandise such as the Pez Mickey candy Dispenser.
He moved to the Manatee County area in 1980 coming from Pleasantville, New York. After his retirement he worked for a couple of years with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus where he assisted in the merchandise development with Disney for their touring Ice Shows. He also published a best seller cartoon book called ”Double Bogey” about the foibles of golfers everywhere. He was also honored with being a member of the Disney Legend of Class of 1999. When the U.S. Post Office unveiled the new Disney stamp he was asked by Disney to be present when it was unveiled at the Palmetto Post Office.
Al was predeceased by his wife, Adeline, son, Gary, brother, Henry, sister, Edna, daughter-in-law, Susan, grandson, Kyle, and great-granddaughter, Emma.
Survived by his sons; Vice Admiral Al Konetzni, Jr., US Navy (Retired) and his wife Missy, Doug Konetzni of Orlando, FL, daughter, Karen Staroschak and her husband Mike of Conway, AR, Ten grandchildren; Al Konetzni, III, Kristen Uprichard and her husband John, Kiera Egan and her husband Bill, Josh Konetzni and his wife Angie, Shannon Griffiths, Keith Konetzni and his wife Karen, Christina and Natalie Staroschak, Andrew and Hannah Konetzni, eighteen great-grandchildren; Will, Addie, Cameron, Delaney, Timothy, Matthew, Katherine, Megan, Caroline, Zachary, Ayla, Gracyn, Lincoln, Ashlyn, Reagan, Brooke, Jacob, Colin and many extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 P.M. on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel, 1015 14th St. W., Bradenton with a Celebration of Al’s life to follow at 3 P.M.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Child Protection Center, Inc., 1750 17th St., Sarasota, Fl. 34234 in his memory.
Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors