Alexander Matthew Degan

Alexander "Al" Degan, beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Papa, Uncle and friend. On Friday morning, November 1, 2024 after a courageous fight with AML Leukemia (The Beast as he called it), Al passed away at the age of 80, with his beloved wife Susan by his side. Al was born on September 21, 1944 in New York City to Alex and Anna (Grushka) Degan. At the age of 6, his family moved to Staten Island, NY. Al graduated from Port Richmond High School Class of 1962. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Air Force as a Crew Chief Mechanic. He often would talk of his time in France with the Air Force. After the Air Force, Al returned to Staten Island. He continued his career in aviation with American Airlines in 1967 at LaGuardia and JFK Airport Maintenance. During which time, he met and married Anne Boggia, together they raised 2 daughters Tracy Thompson and Elizabeth Jacob. In 1984 Al and his family relocated to Tulsa, OK with American Airlines. Where he continued his climb as 767 Training, Manager of Maintenance Operations Control (MOC) and ultimately the Director of Maintenance, a position he held proudly. He retired from American Airlines in 2009. Al worked hard as a part-time student to receive a Bachelors and Masters of Aviation Sciences from Oklahoma State University. Sadly, Anne passed away in 2001. In 2003, He met Susan (Butchko) and in 2007 they married. Al had a way to make most situations humorous. When there was laughter, you could bet Al was nearby. His quick whit and jokes were just part of his charm. He could always find a song to sing and his motto was "there's a song for everything!" He loved reading, gardening and traveling. You could often find him fixing things around the house and taking care of his pristine yard. He was always doing something. Even with his diagnosis of AML, Al brought joy to the Oncology Unit at St Francis Hospital where he would go 2-3 times a week for labs. He was loved by everyone there. He was often considered "the best patient" by the Doctors and Nurses at St Francis and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX. Al's greatest pride, however, was his family. He is survived by his ever-adoring wife Susan, daughter Elizabeth Jacob and husband, Jason, (Andover, MN), grandchildren Kyle Jacob (Aviano AFB, Italy) and Sarah Jacob (Andover, MN), Sister Iris Mahoney, (Brick, NJ), son-in-Law Kevin Thompson (Longmont, CO) many cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. All of whom he cherished dearly. He is predeceased by his first wife Anne, parents Alex and Anna Degan, and daughter Tracy Thompson. Al also leaves behind a multitude of loving friends and amazing neighbors who all will miss him dearly. Al's Family would like to extend their gratitude to the phenomenal Doctors, Nurses and Staff at St. Francis Hospital. With each visit he was received with a friendly face starting at the check-in desk especially the Oncology unit on 3-South. They were like one big family. The support and care he received made it possible for him to fight as hard as he did. A huge thank you to the medical team at MD Anderson, where he marveled at the level of expertise and reassurance and hope they brought to the patients was everywhere, for which would otherwise be a rather grim situation. Thank you to our friends and neighbors. Their love, support and help was beyond anyone can imagine. We would not have been able to focus on healing especially during the times spent in MD Anderson. A visitation will be held from 6pm-9pm on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E 91st St, Tulsa OK 74137. Followed by the funeral mass 1:00 pm Thursday November 7, 2024 at St Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, 4101 E 101st St Tulsa Ok 74137. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Al's memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Leukemia Research, St Francis Oncology Unit, or Donations of Blood and Platelets as they are the lifeline of Leukemia Patients.

Alexander Matthew Degan

September 21, 1944 - November 1, 2024