Reverend Albert Leonard Pundt Jr., 88, died on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, and immediately transferred his permanent residence from Louisville, KY, to the presence of God. Having resided in Pennsylvania since 1962, he, along with his dear wife, Darlene, relocated from Lebanon, PA, to Louisville, KY, near their younger son in May 2024.
“Big Al” was born on Nov. 11, 1936, at Meadowbrook Hospital (now Nassau University Medical Center) in East Meadow, NY, to Albert Sr. and Stella Pundt. He grew up an only child, and naturally received his “Long Island accent,” in nearby North Hempstead and Westbury. Al was a 1955 graduate of Westbury High School, where he excelled in basketball, football, and gym if not academics.
He subsequently attended Eastern Bible Institute, Green Lane, PA (now University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville). While at EBI, he first saw Dahleen and told a friend, “I’m gonna mahrry that goil.” He had his work cut out for him since, at the time, Darlene thought Al was “a loud-mouthed New Yorker.” Evidently, he won her over since they married shortly after graduation on Aug. 22, 1959, in Harrisburg, PA.
After completing college in Nyack, NY, and Lakeland, FL, Al and Darlene made their way back to Pennsylvania. “Pastor Pundt,” now credentialed with the Assemblies of God, cut his ministerial teeth in a small church in Montoursville, PA, in 1962, where his meager home-missions salary was never received more than three weeks in a row. After a short stint in Adrian, PA, he took the pastoral role at Honesdale Assembly of God – forever a source of joy, warm memories, and extraordinarily dear friends.
As the years flew by, he pastored churches in Philadelphia (Highway Tabernacle, interim), Dickson City, Shippensburg, and Pittsburgh (Evangel A/G), all in the PennDel District. He ended full-time ministry at the age of 79 as chaplain at the Teen Challenge Training Center, Rehrersburg, PA.
Of course, as a pastor, he experienced the ups and downs of pulpit and church ministry. Al would say, by far, there were many more “ups.” An engaging preacher and insightful teacher, “Blunt Pundt,” as he was sometimes called, was known to say it like it was and call it as he saw it. He was also known to harbor nothing but love and care for the sheep of his flocks to which so many have testified. He leaves a legacy of Jesus working through his earthen vessel to change the lives of others for the Kingdom of God.
Al was a lifelong New York Giants and Yankees fan. He also became a resolute and boisterous Penn State Nittany Lions Football fan. Just ask anyone who watched a game with him!
To the chagrin and groans of his sons, Al always had a (really bad Dad) joke at the ready — whether you heard it from him before or not. That trait gave away his desire to make people laugh, including himself. If you ever heard his wheezing, snaggle-puss style, giggle-guffaw-chuckle you already know that.
But – and as Al used to say, “Thank God for the buts!” – his greatest joy on earth was his family. They never lacked his affection, connection, and time. Al was a great pastor and mentor. However, he was an incredible father, always striving to emulate the characteristics of his heavenly Father.
Al is survived by Darlene Jean (Kohr), devoted and loving wife of 65 years; sons, Len (Jeanne) and Larry (Renee); and adoring grandchildren, Albert IV, Ariana, Audra, and Ethan.
He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Harry, Aug. 18-20, 1960.
Family, friends, and others are invited to the Living Waters Chapel A/G, 1900 Jay St., Lebanon, PA, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, to worship Al’s Savior and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers or plants or any other type of allergen, Al would tell you to fix the garbage disposal or take your spouse out to a fine dinner.
If none of these scratches your itch, please consider making a donation to your local church or The Teen Challenge Training Center, 33 Teen Challenge Road, P.O. Box 98, Rehrersburg, PA 19550, www.paatc.org/, (888) 546-2579.
