Alvin "Al" John Birsinger, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 4, 2021. He was born February 20, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri to Alphons and Agnes Sedlmayr Birsinger. He graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School in 1957 and received a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from St Louis University in 1961.

After college, Al worked for the FAA for two years then took a job with McDonnell Douglas (Boeing). He contributed to several space exploration projects, including Mercury, Gemini, Skylab, Space Shuttle, and the Space Station during his 50+ year career in the aerospace industry. He also found time to earn a Master's Degree in Behavioral Sciences from University of Houston-Clear Lake.

Al met Marcia Suzanne Heinz in 1963 through a mutual friend. Their love of jitterbug dancing sparked a relationship that grew in strength through their common Catholic backgrounds. His practical nature complimented her energetic spirit and they married in 1964. They settled in St. Louis, transferring to Houston, Texas in 1974 due to NASA's growing space industry.

Al and Marcia were founding members of the Catholic Community of St. Luke the Evangelist. They served on the Parish Council, led Bible Studies, and started a weekly prayer meeting. In 1998, Al earned a Bachelor of Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas and in 1999, completed the Diocese of Galveston-Houston Diaconate program. He cherished his duties as a Deacon and had an unwavering faith in God. Al had a passion for family ministry, prison ministry, and ACTS retreats. He connected with parishioners through his gentle and kind demeanor, witnessing, and leading by example.

Al was actively involved in the lives of his children and their interests. He coached baseball at Sagemont-Beverly Hills Little League. He helped create the Sagemont Soccer Club and was a dedicated soccer coach for several years. Al could be found attending his children and grandchildren's many sporting events, concerts, recitals, plays, musicals, and award ceremonies.

Al is survived by three sons, Alan (Christine) Birsinger of Houston, Gary (Michele) Birsinger of Friendswood, Ryan (Amy) Birsinger of Fulshear; four daughters, Gina (Will) Kehres of Friendswood, Joy (Jeff) Marino of Friendswood, Julie Birsinger of Galveston, and Linda (Joel) Arens of Friendswood; and grandchildren Grace and Jacob Birsinger, Lindsay McDaniel, Hannah, Gabrielle, and Evan Birsinger; Isabella, Athanasius, Ian, and Elliot Birsinger; Liam, Jude, Greta, and Gisele Kehres; McEwan and Cora Marino; and Jonas, Alec, Canaan, Kingston, and Aurelia Arens; and great-grandchildren Haydon, Braylon, and Aubrielle Wells; a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives. Al was preceded in death by his wife Marcia, of 55 years; his parents; and siblings, Ronald Birsinger and Marlene Birsinger Fey.

Visitation is scheduled at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Rd, Houston, TX 77089 on Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a rosary starting at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Rd, Houston, TX 77089 on Friday, November 12, 2021 beginning at 11 am. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Project Joy and Hope, 3207 Tulip Street, Pasadena, TX 77504 www.joyandhope.org