Lawrence "Big Al" Michael Marciniak

Retired CW4, Lawrence “Big Al” Michael Marciniak, was born on September 11, 1949. He passed away at his home on March 31, 2023, with his loving wife, Brenda Marciniak, next to him. He was born to Felix and Melva Marciniak in Rochester, New York. He attended school at Livionna Public Schools in Livionna, New York. After graduating, he entered Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where he ranked in the top ten of his class. In 1968, he joined the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Cobra pilot. He received his nickname “Big Al” while serving in Vietnam. His fellow pilots and friends called him “one of the Good Guys” and a “meticulous and competent pilot.” The name “Big Al” stuck with Lawrence throughout his life. After Vietnam, he moved to Texas and was in the Texas national guard. He served in the 2-149th aviation regiment of the national guards until his retirement. He served his country for thirty years. Big Al received several medals during his service, including: Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal w/V device, two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, and an Army Commendation Medal w/V Device. He was also a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association and the DFC Society. Living in Texas, he started his family, and he began flying for different companies. He would also fly offshore. Big Al worked as a flight instructor as well. He was recognized in the Professional Pilot of April 2012 for McCoys Building Supply. He worked for McCoys Building Supply in San Marcos, Texas for over twenty years as a pilot and aviation manager. He retired from McCoys in 2013. Lawrence (Big Al) was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Melva Marciniak. He is survived by his wife Brenda Bryson Marciniak, and their dog Lil Bear, of Jay, Oklahoma; his sister, Felicia (Cookie) Rogers of Conesus, New York; his brothers, Paul Marciniak and wife Debbie of Conesus, New York, and Carl Marciniak and wife Darlene of Lynchburg, Tennessee; his children, Lee Marciniak of Weatherford, Texas, Grant Marciniak and wife Sarah of Burleson, Texas, and Aimee Espinosa of Tyler, Texas; grandchildren, Mason, Laney, Janee, Jianni, and Jordon; one great-grandson, Micko; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Piney Cemetery in Jay, Oklahoma. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.

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Lawrence "Big Al" Michael Marciniak

September 11, 1949 - March 31, 2023