Albert Paul Asali Sr.

I have just come across Al’s obituary and this guest book a few years late. I hope someone sees this! I was saddened because of all the people in my life who inspired me academically he remains at the top of any list I might have made. I am 78 now. I have a wife, children, and grandchildren. By chance we met about fifteen years ago while I was working in downtown Portland. I think I told him then how much he was an influence but know I spoke of him in many conversations. I ultimately wrote musicals and plays performed my senior year at Deering and again as a senior thesis at Amherst College. I always knew that my desire to write began at King and it led me into the arts. At the time of that late chance meeting, my wife Annette and I had opened Barridoff Galleries in Portland. In spite of being something quite the opposite of an athlete and my pursuant lack of popularity, Al treated me always as something of an equal. I cannot tell you how much he influenced my life then and, therefore, always. He was a great man and remains so in my heart.
Thank you.

I have just come across Al’s obituary and this guest book a few years late. I hope someone sees this! I was saddened because of all the people in my life who inspired me academically he remains at the top of any list I might have made. I am 78 now. I have a wife, children, and grandchildren. By chance we met about fifteen years ago while I was working in downtown Portland. I think I told him then how much he was an influence but know I spoke of him in many conversations. I ultimately wrote musicals and plays performed my senior year at Deering and again as a senior thesis at Amherst College. I always knew that my desire to write began at King and it led me into the arts. At the time of that late chance meeting, my wife Annette and I had opened Barridoff Galleries in Portland. In spite of being something quite the opposite of an athlete and my pursuant lack of popularity, Al treated me always as something of an equal. I cannot tell you how much he influenced my life then and, therefore, always. He was a great man and remains so in my heart.
Thank you.

To Joyce and the Asali family I'm so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I coached football with him at King for 15 years and learned a great deal about people and life from him. I was in the hospital having knee surgery when he passed and just heard about it. Al was a great person. He was terrific with the kids both in class and on the football field. Thanks for teaching me a lot and for the times in "Al's Playroom"

What a fantastic teacher!  He is my fondest remembrance of seventh grade at King Jr. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

My condolences to Al Asali's family. Al was my mentor when I began teaching English at King Middle School. He was so calm and conveyed that to his students. Relaxing and joining other teachers at the Friday afternoon gatherings at Al's house were special.
Al was truly a special person.
Barbara T. Epstein