Beczkala, Adolph John “Al” Jr.

Adolph (Al) John Beczkala Jr. passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025.  He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Barbara (nee LoGaglio).  Together they raised two sons, Al (Becky) and Patrick (Stephanie), who gave him his greatest joy – four grandchildren: Jeremy (Lindsey), Corey (Lisa), Brooke, and Peyton.  Al was the son of the late Adolph (Al Sr.) and Helen (nee Schalk), the loving brother of the late Marlene Torimino, Linda (Ron Burbes), and Roger (Kim).  He was also “Uncle Al” to many nieces and nephews and a loyal friend to anyone lucky enough to know him.

Al’s story began at St. Martin of Tours in South County, where he spent his grade school days before heading to Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School.  His love of baseball carried him to SIU-Carbondale on a scholarship, and after two years he transferred to Washington University in St. Louis.  There he wrapped up both his baseball career and his business degree.

After graduation he joined his parents at Al’s Café.  Eventually, becoming the fourth–and final- generation to run the restaurant and tavern.  If you ever had one of his double cheeseburgers or witty remarks, you know why people came back again and again.  When he closed the doors for the last time on February 28, 2020, it wasn’t just the end of a restaurant—it was the end of an era, carried on in the memories of everyone who shared a beer or a burger there.

Al was known for his humor, his kindness, and his ability to make everyone feel like family.  Whether it was telling a story across the bar, coaching from the dugout, sharing a laugh, dancing at Midwest Club Dance (where he was a member for over 30 years), or hunting with his sons, he left a mark that won’t be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to BackStoppers.

A memorial dinner to celebrate Al’s life will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Royale Orleans Banquet Hall, 2801 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.