Alvia (Al) Swingle, 76, of Princeton Junction, died suddenly on Nov. 5.
Swingle, and his wife of 37 years, Patti, own and operate Al’s Sunoco in Princeton Junction, which recently celebrated 50 years in business.
Swingle was an avid boater and fishing enthusiast, and he liked working on antique and classic cars and trucks. He especially enjoyed spending time with his pup Sweetpea and his family.
In response to his death, West Windsor Police Chief Robert Garofalo issued a release stating that the that he and “the entire WWPD family are saddened by the loss of our friend, Al Swingle.”
“Al and his wife, Patti, for so many decades have been fixtures in our community,” Garolfalo said. “We’re sure everyone has a nice memory of Al and I would like to share one that has stood out for me over the years.”
Garofalo said that a number of years ago on very cold Christmas Day years ago, an employee at the Little Szechaun restaurant who lived in New York, had locked his keys in his car.
“After I was unable to get into the car, our dispatchers called Al’s Sunoco,” he said. “Al himself responded so that one of his staff didn’t have to come in and could stay home with their family. Al was able to get into the car for the man who didn’t have AAA. Al refused to take a penny for his efforts.”
“This sums up exactly who Al Swingle was and the type of giving spirit we all could all learn from,” said the chief. “It was an honor to know the man and for WWPD to consider him part of our family.”
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