Alan E. Vossler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on November 26, 2025 at the age of 76. Born on December 29, 1948 in Wellsville, NY to John and Gloria Vossler, he was the second oldest of six children. After graduating from high school he moved to Rochester for an apprenticeship and met the love of his life, Nina. He was drafted into the Army and served as a Sergeant in the Infantry where he earned two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. After his time in Vietnam he returned to Rochester where he married Nina and raised two children.
He lived a life marked by strength, kindness and devotion to those he loved. Al was a man who led by example. Throughout his career in research and development as an engineer for Gleason Works and his passion for farming he continually taught those around him the value of hard work, paying attention, and always being open to learning something new. Down to his core he believed anything worth doing was worth doing right. Those who knew him best often joked that there was “The Right Way, The Wrong Way, and The Vossler Way”.
Al was known for having a green thumb and being able to build or fix anything. He enjoyed wood working and anything farming related. Never forgetting his roots, he cherished returning to his family farm in Wellsville. He enjoyed growing various fruits, vegetables, and flowers, especially sunflowers, peppers, and blueberries. But his greatest joy came from working on projects, “puttering around”, or just “playing in the dirt” with his brother, Mike and nephew, Eric.
His legacy lives on through his two grandsons, the family farm, the lessons he taught, the stories he told, and the family bond he inspired.
He is survived by his wife, Nina, daughter, Heather, son, Chris, daughter-in-law, Sarah, grandsons, Ryan and Jackson, brother and sister-in-law Mike and Mary Jo Vossler, brother Edward Vossler, sister and brother-in-law Valerie and Terry Ward, sister Vicki Dranko, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tony and Linda DelVecchio, longtime friends Tom and Gerrie Newcomb, and their son, John, who Al always considered to be part of the family, and his many nieces and nephews.
He was pre-deceased by his parents John and Gloria Vossler, brother, Nicholas Vossler, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Vossler.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Jason Mendler and his team at the Wilmont Cancer Center, the staff of WCC6, WCC7, and the Palliative Care Unit for all their kindness, care, and compassion.
Calling Hours Thursday December 4, 2025 4-6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Service Friday December 5, 2025 10AM at White Haven Memorial Park Creations Chapel 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the URMC Palliative Care Unit:
University of Rochester Medical Center
Palliative Care Program
Attn: Unit 4-1200
Office of Gift and Donor Records
PO Box 270441
Rochester, NY 14627-0441
Please specify the donation is specifically for Unit 4-1200
26 responses to “Vossler, Alan E.”
He was such a kind and caring person with a big heart and great sense of humor. My love goes out to the whole family.
He was always a person of this world and earth. It was a honor to know him. My heart breaks for his family.
Alan was a one of a kind person and will be missed by the people that knew him. He was a generous person always willing to give a helping hand with a smile on his face and never expecting anything in return. He always had some project he was working on whether it was for himself or for a friend. If heaven has fields and fences to be worked, I can assure you that’s where you will find Alan. Our prays are with him.
Dear Nina, Heather, Chris, Sarah , Ryan & Jackson and All in the Family, Our deepest condolences with our heartfelt prayers extended to all of you. Al was a dignified, honest, loyal, smart, generous and hard-working person. No project was too tough for him and he enjoyed the challenge. He raised, along with Nina, a beautiful family who carry on the traits of their Dad and Grandpa. God Bless His Soul & may he rest in peace, Amen.
I got to know Al when I was in the apprentice program at Gleason Works. Got to know much better over the years especially when I worked in Dept. 89 and SGS. I used to take Al and John Reese to the Elder Statesman Banquet. He loved to talk to people. John and I would be ready to go home and we would have to drag him out of there. Great guy.
Al’s passing has hit me hard.
I too, spent the two years sitting with him in our Gleason Works Apprenticeship classes. When Al went to war we tried to keep in touch, and when he came back home, he rejoined Gleason’s and would tell me all the horrors he had been through during the war.
None of his severe injuries ever stopped him or got him down. Al was one REMARKABLE guy, and I was so lucky to have had him as a friend.
My sincere condolences go out to all of his family and friends. Anyone who knew Al will always remember him.
Rest In Peace my friend.
I am very sad to hear about Al’s passing. Al was a great guy. While I did not work directly with him, anytime I talked to him at the shop he was very pleasant and just an all around nice person. My condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
So sad to hear that Al has passed. I worked with Al for many years at Gleason and you could always count on him for anything or any help you needed.
I’m very saddened that Al has passed, and extend deepest condolences especially to Nina, Chris and Heather. Al was a great friend, and I feel very fortunate to have known him my whole career at Gleason. I looked up to him for his knowledge, but even more so for his kindness, modesty, and sense of humor in the face of adversity. I’ll never forget his stories – from what he went through in Vietnam to what he put the local police force through growing up in Wellsville. I sincerely miss him.
While providing graphic services to Gleason R&D (Hermann Stadtfeld), it was there that I was introduced to Al, who from time to time would provide me with the necessary reference items or help set up gears and working tools for photography down in the R&D Lab. He was very kind, very helpful and easy to work with. A great guy gone too soon.
Great memories related to Al. Went thru high school with him and shared an apartment for a short time. Many years later, we would see each other at some gas station in Wellsville…..always nice to chat with him. Please share my deepest condolences with his family and friends.
Sorry to hear that Alan has passed. Prays go out to family. The pain will subside but the memories will never leave you.
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. My condolences to Nina and his children and also to his brother Mike and Mary Jo. I went to school with Al and my late husband was a cousin. I have wonderful memories of the early years when we were all young married couples enjoying camp parties and our growing families. Al followed the same kind, smart, thoughtful legacy this family gave him. He will be sadly missed.
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. My condolences to Nina and his children and also to his brother Mike and Mary Jo. I went to school with Al and my late husband was a cousin. I have wonderful memories of the early years when we were all young married couples enjoying camp parties and our growing families. Al followed the same kind, smart, thoughtful legacy his family gave him. He will be sadly missed.
I am really sorry to hear of Al’s passing he was a good friend and good person. My sincere condolences to Nina and family.
My father Bill Zimmer worked with Al at Gleason Works and I met him a few times myself. My dad thought a lot of Al.
Dear family,
I’m sorry to learn of Al’s passing and offer my condolences.
Like Al, I was drafted into the Army, leaving Gleason having graduated RIT in 1972.
Al was there to great me back at Gleason when I left the Army.
Everything that has been written is true, Al was a very kind man and a good friend to all. He understood people, those in leadership, both great leaders and bad ones too. He was quick to offer encouragement and always helped those in need. American needs more true citizens like him.
I worked with Al for a short period of time during my 43 years at Gleason. As we moved on to different positions in the company we still had many meetings in the isle over the years. Al was a great guy and I feel lucky to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Condolences to Nina and family. Alan went to school with my brother, Mark. He will be missed by the many Vosslers here in Wellsville. With love, Alice
My dearest condolences to the whole family.
I met Al a long time ago as I worked with his wife Nina for years. Prayers to all.
To the keenanfuneralhomes.com Owner!
Nina, Heather, Chris, Ryan, Jackson and the Vossler Family
Our hearfelt condolences and prayers are with you. Al was a hardworking, helpful and generous person who will be missed by all.We are grateful to have known him for over 50 years and we have fond memories of the holiday get togthers with you. May Al rest in peace and may the Lord comfort you in your loss.
Alan was like a brother to my husband, Mark Vossler. Throughout high school they were close and got away with all the things young teenagers did. Al’s mother, Glo, used to say everyone on Shongo/Whitesville thought Al and Mark were brothers and they reported the shenanigans to Glo in record time. It was Al’s father, John, who was actually Mark:s generation, but Al and Mark reaped the benefits of Vossler youth. We prayed for Alan as he recovered from horrendous injuries in Vietnam. We attended their wedding, celebrated with great joy! We just spent a summer afternoon with Alan and his family at Eric and Mike’s retreat in Shongo. Wonderful memories are ours and Al’s family, together in life; as he rest in the arms of Jesus, we remember and love him always.
My condolences to Al’s family. Worked with Al for many years at Gleason Works. Always remember his sunny disposition, and caring attitude. God Bless your family, he will surely be missed.
John Thomas
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Alan’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
I (Milt) first met Al in the 60’s when we worked together at Gleasons. Al was promoted but always remembered and we could re-acquaint at the Elder Statemen’s Dinners. All responses are saying the same thing. He was a great guy, great American, and a great fellow worker.
We are very sorry for yours and our loss.
God bless, Milt and Jan Glende