Alphonse J. Coune's Obituary
ALPHONSE J. COUNE, beloved father and patriarch, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at The Renaissance, Olmsted Township, where he had resided for many years. He was surrounded by family and close friends as he journeyed home to heaven and a reunion with his cherished wife Sarah (“Sally”), who died in 2018. Alphonse is survived by children Elisa (Tony) Felici; Alphonse (Kelley) Coune Jr., and Sarah (Brian) Bennetch; his adored grandchildren Anthony (Benita) Felici, Alex Felici, Andrew Felici; Shelby and Justin (Shana) Coune; and Sarah (Daniel) Trowbridge; Paul (Emily) Bennetch, and Philip (Liz) Bennetch. In addition, he and Sally share a treasured legacy of 12 great grandchildren, with another on the way in 2027.
Al was born on April 16, 1934, to Grace and Alphonse Coune of Beaver, PA, and although he had no siblings, he grew up with many cousins and friends. His genuine love for people started early and was the basis of every relationship he had. Al was a proud graduate of Penn State, president of his fraternity Beta Theta Pi, and a devoted alum all his life. He was also in the U.S. Navy Officer program at PSU, and after graduation in 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart Sarah Hughes and was stationed at the Pentagon in Wash. DC. He served as a Lieutenant and Communications officer in Cryptography, where he was responsible for decoding classified messages he then carried personally to the White House and the Navy Admiral.
Al and Sally moved to Berea, Ohio, to raise their family, and Al began his lifelong career in the insurance business. He excelled at this and later became president of the Hoffman Insurance Agency, combining his skill for management and his love for people and problem solving. Al also served as president of the Insurance Board of Cleveland, as well as board chairman of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Berea, an organization close to his heart. He and Sally loved their community of Berea, and were actively engaged as citizens and neighbors. Al managed a mayoral campaign for his dear friend Jack Kafer. Al then served as chair of the Berea Planning Commission. In later years, he and Jack volunteered together as adult “Buddies” to at-risk children in the Olmsted Falls school district. Al, together with Sally, also loved and served at their church, Christ the King, in North Olmsted, where they were stalwarts of deep faith.
Al had countless friends because he loved people and cared about their needs. He always took time to listen, offer advice, and encourage others. He was especially committed to mentoring younger men and had many lifelong friendships that he cherished to the end of his life.
Al was well cared for throughout his battle with chronic disease and medical frailty, by the staff at The Renaissance as well as NEO Hospice. Although Al was sometimes frustrated by his physical infirmities, he always had a kind word or smile for staff members. The family is grateful for their attentive and compassionate care, as well as friendship, to Al.
A memorial service to celebrate Al’s marvelous life will be held at The Renaissance, 26376 John Road, Olmsted Township, on Saturday, August 29 at 2:30 pm, in the Great Hall. The family will receive friends at 2 pm, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a donation in his name to Wounded Warriors (https://woundedwarriorproject.org) or to NEO Hospice (https://www.northeastohiohealthservices.org/donate)
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