Albert Joseph Vlasic, 89, of Overland Park, KS, formerly of Center Township, from 1960 to 2013, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2014, at his Overland Park residence, while seated next to his loving and devoted wife of 56 years.Al was born on September 26, 1924 in Monaca, to Joseph and Daisy (Krusac) Vlasic.  He graduated from Monaca High School in 1942.  After high school, Al went to work briefly for Colonial Steel, before joining the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant during WWII.  After the war, he continued at Colonial Steel until 1947.  In 1951, Al earned his B.S. in Education from Geneva College.  During his time at Geneva, he became the school’s all-time leading scorer playing basketball for the Covies.Later in life, Al married the love of his life, Mary Ann Palyan on August 25, 1958.  As a Professional Basketball Player with the Philadelphia SPHAS, Al travelled with and competed against the Harlem Globetrotters.  For 30 years, he succeeded in many roles within the color standards lab and research/development for the same organization which operated under the various names: Koppers/ARCO Polymers/ Nova Chemicals.  Al was a youth baseball coach in the Center Little League for over 20 years.  He was also a teacher and assistant high school baseball coach at Center High School.  In 1983, Al was inducted into the Beaver County Hall of Fame.  Al was an usher and active member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.Al was a fierce competitor and devoted sports fan as it showed through his love and daily following of his hometown sports teams: Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Center High School (now Central Valley), and all other high school teams.  For many years while in Center Township, Al enjoyed taking his loyal dog and companion, Sadie, to watch football practices with him.  He was an avid bowler and golfer who enjoyed competing against family and friends right up to the end.Never would a day go by when Al was not looking for information about his family, friends and favorite sports teams wherever they were.  He lived his life passionately in his beliefs while doing what he loved, providing for his wife, children, grandchildren and friends.  Al (“Pap”) will be missed by many.  We believe everyone, including Al, would agree on his fitting final thoughts: WOW, WHAT A LIFE!He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Michelle Ann; his parents; sisters: Margaret Fowler and Genevieve Loughhead.He is survived by his loving bride, Mary Ann (Palyan); sons and their spouses, Bob and Sue (Winkler) Vlasic, Mark and Amy (Dietz) Vlasic, Mike and Suzy (Parker) Vlasic; and grandchildren, whom he adored and meant the world to him: Tyler and his wife Sarah (McCoy), Whitney, Shane, Erica, Vanessa, Ethan, Melanie and Mikaela.  Al is also survived by his sister, Barbara Lamagna.A Celebration of His Life will take place on Saturday, September 20^th, from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. in the Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca. Full military honors will be provided by the Beaver County Special Unit.  Members of the unit are asked to gather at 6:45 p.m. at the funeral home.A private family service will be held at McGilley Memorial Chapel in Kansas City, MO on Sunday, September 28^th, with cremation to follow.In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be made on Albert’s behalf to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604-1242, or to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.To view his memorial video, share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.