Albert “Cowboy” Agurkis, 95, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018 after a short illness.

His wife of 59 years, Peggy (O’Leary) Agurkis, died in 2006.

He is survived by two sons, James J. Agurkis of West Boylston, and David P. Agurkis and his wife Phyllis of Worcester; six grandchildren, Patrick J. Agurkis of Worcester, David P. Agurkis and his wife Robin of North Carolina, Andrew A. Agurkis and his wife Angela of West Boylston, Timothy R. Agurkis and his wife Audrena of Shrewsbury, Katie Derusha of North Carolina and Jonathan Cederlund of Sutton; and great-grandchildren, Paige, Sofia, Lucas, Dawson, Mitch, Winnie Rose, Ryan, Alex, Jared, Nate, Sophie, Violet, Ian, Jacob, Jessica and Jonny. He also leaves nieces and nephews, Irene Belliveau of Naples Florida, Joyce Ford of Shrewsbury, Richie Agurkis of Plymouth, Joann Agurkis of Worcester, and Sharon Perrault of Conroe, Texas.

Al was predeceased by a grandson Nick Agurkis, his brothers Joe and John “Spike” Agurkis, and his daughter-in-law Sally Agurkis.

He was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late John and Lena Agurkis.

He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School and learned the tool and die trade.

Al was a proud Navy veteran of World War II. He served on a Navy destroyer that chased German subs from the Pacific to Alaska. He loved telling stories about Alaska.

Al worked at Erickson and Heldrum tool and die, Wickwire Spencer, Worcester Pressed Steel and Norton Company. He retired from Norton Company in 1986. He was the first person to retire from the new R & D campus in Northborough.

Al was an avid fisherman, both fresh water and salt water. For years he would go with his good friend Joe Dubsky to New Hampshire for Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing trips to catch cod and haddock. He would clean the fish and ride around giving them to family and friends. He also loved ice fishing in the winter.

Al enjoyed his vegetable garden. With the help of his son David, Al would grow the vegetables, pick them and fill bags to deliver to anyone who wanted them. He also made half sour pickles, potato pancakes and kuglie which he shared with his family.

Al and Peggy made many trips to Foxwoods, Atlantic City and Vegas. They also vacationed in Florida and Aruba.

Al was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, He was an active member of the Worcester Lithuanian War Veterans, and served on its E Board for many years, He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles where he played pitch with friends until he was 94. He was also a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club.

Al loved his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anytime he saw them, it would make his day.

The family would like to thank the Jewish Healthcare Hospice and all the Nurses and CNAs who attended Al in his short stay at the Saint Francis Rehab and Nursing Home.

Calling hours are Friday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Saturday, March 17, from the funeral home with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.