Alan J. Habat

Alan J. Habat, age 75 of Eastlake, passed away Sunday, November 1st, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born September 10th, 1945 in Cleveland to the late Joe and Edith Habat.

Alan was the loving husband for 52 years to Marie E. Habat; dearest father of David Habat, Douglas (Lisa) Habat and Teresa (Mike) Ferrari; grandfather of many.

The Habat family would like in invite you to the graveside services which will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 3rd at Willoughby Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 38650 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby (across from Osborne Park). Please wear Cleveland Indians gear.

If you met him, you remembered.

If you knew him, you likely had volumes of stories. Laughs. Fun. Happiness. Consequential embarrassments that upon reflection are sources of lasting memories.

Al did things his way, on his own time and would usually tell you what you were doing wrong along the way.

He was a professional smartass and expert contrarian who used humor and practical jokes as tools to disarm most people and make those around him understand not to take life too seriously. If at some point during the conversation he called you an a-hole, it was his language of love.

Behind the jocularity and argumentative, playful banter was a man who loved and lived passionately for his family and for those close to him. Once you got past the gruff exterior, you learned details about a well-travelled man that had experienced the best and worst life had to offer.

An avid sports fan, Al loved to watch baseball with family and friends and relished the chance to exercise his rapier wit on the sad sack Browns who he depended on to lose for the conversational gold mine of comedic material.

Most who knew him can recall that he was an expert machinist and that he enjoyed bowling and knocking back a few beers. He was fed more pork than any man should be exposed to, was first in line for a clambake and could always find room for post meal popcorn or candy while watching a movie or listening to a game.

Al knew the strength of his family was rooted in love. What he and Marie built, albeit sometimes not perfect, was theirs only to understand and appreciate as the years passed. It was the foundation of humble perseverance and imperfection that was a source of pride he shared with his Marie and kids. Because it was that flawed, selfless, tolerant, unrelenting love that tenderly nourished him when he fell ill.

Al handed down his knowledge of the toolbox to his boys and taught them how the necessity of turning a wrench bred ingenuity and self-reliance.

He would seek solace on the waters of Lake Erie with his son in pursuit of the rewarded fight of a landed walleye.

He religiously travelled to his little girl’s high school and college games with Marie and wore her number and colors of the schools with pride.

Hours and hours spent at grandkids games, races and functions were routine and truly the only place he wanted to be later in life.

Al made his own path. Sang his own song (poorly and with made up words) and left an impression with all those he encountered. Regardless of who you were in his life, and what story you collectively shared, it is inarguable that Al made an impact …That together you had and will forever keep, a memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of The Western Reserve, 300 East 185th Street, Cleveland OH 44119.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Services.