Albert Franklin Wurzbacher Jr.

Al was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Marguerite and Albert F. Wurzbacher, Sr. on October 3, 1927. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1945. Al enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard shortly thereafter, in time to serve his country as an aerographer’s mate (meteorologist) during the closing months of World War II. He finished his service in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

Al attended the University of Maryland College Park, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1951, having served as vice president of his class. He was active in the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Al went on to a successful career in advertising, which began at Baltimore’s Vansant Dugdale.

Al met his future wife, Evelyn Buddemeier, on a blind date arranged by a mutual friend from church. Sparks flew, and they tied the knot in 1955. Since Evelyn’s father led a competing advertising firm, a desire for family harmony and collaboration led Al to jump ship and join the ranks of the Buddemeier Advertising Agency. He would ultimately become his father-in-law’s vice president.

In the 1970s, Al followed his entrepreneurial spirit and love of photography to form his own audio visual production business, the R.W. Bruce Company. His kids remember fondly making the occasional cameo appearance in one of Dad’s restaurant training films or educational filmstrip.

Empty nesters Al and Evelyn moved to Fenwick Island, DE in the late 1980s, where Al enjoyed a second career in real estate. Happening upon a candy show at the Ocean City Convention Center one day, Al met the owners of Baltimore’s Naron Candy Company, and also took on the role of catalog producer and Eastern Shore sales rep. He loved chocolate.

Al and his bride crossed back over the bridge to Annapolis 15 years later to be closer to their children and have resided there ever since. In later years, he loved ushering for Sunday services at the Naval Academy chapel, tending to his rose garden, watching his beloved Orioles, and spending time with his (also beloved) grandchildren.

Al was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Ethel Felber; and his twin brother, Gilbert. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his son, Rick Wurzbacher and his wife, Heidi; his daughter Jennifer Wazenski and her husband, Michael; and grandchildren Joshua Wurzbacher, Amber Meyers, Hannah Sullivan, Stephanie Williams, Ryan Wazenski, and Sam Wazenski.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday November 8 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the John M.Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401. A graveside service will be held on Friday November 9 at 11 a.m. at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 E. Padonia Rd, Timonium, MD 21093. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Scenic Rivers Land Trust www.srlt.org or Hospice of the Chesapeake.