Al, may you rest in peace. Over the last nine years you have been more than just a sales rep but a good friend. Thank you for always taking time to make sure I had what I needed when I called you and if you didn’t have it, you went out of your way to find that part or whatever I needed for that project at work. You will be missed. Thank you so much for being such a great help and friend. Rest in peace Al.   John Brennan . 

I had the pleasure of knowing Al at SLU. 

 He always had a smile on his face and, while he was a little more shy in those days, it is easy to see with his easy going nature how he became the Ambassador at every hardware store he worked!  

It is definitely no surprise to read all the comments about how knowledgeable he was and how he would go out of his way to help others.  

My condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.


Al will be missed!!  He was simply the best!!

Alan was a good big brother. We did a lot things together when we were younger. He always let me tag along with he and his friends. He was also my friend. Whenever I needed to talk, he always listened, asked if I needed anything and told me to get some rest. He was a hard worker and he went out of his way to help others. I will miss him so much. 

Alan always asked me about my job and told me to be careful. His last words to me were “If you need anything, let me know.” That was the kind of person Alan Thal was. I will miss him.

Al was a great neighbors and friend always asking if i needed something.Helped me find past yard workers,cut grass etc. My prayers go out to the family and of course Martha .May he rest in peace.Thinking of you all at this difficult time of his passing. Neighbor,Dody Swanson


I never understood how people could be afraid of clowns. My uncle was a clown, he was a great clown. He had a dry sense of humor and loved teasing you, all in love. I loved going to the circus and parades to see him. Honestly it’s still one of the fun facts about my life that I tell people.

I also remember he was a sucker for giving dogs food under the table and would sneak us sweets before it was time just if you wanted some. He was always trying to help you out in anyway he could. His heart was so big, he cared so much about everyone especially his family and his customers. They don’t make em like that everyday, he was such a special person. We will miss him terribly. We Love you Uncle Al!

For My Dear Friend Al, and For His Loved Ones,
  Al,  
We were Friend's INSTANTLY!!!    I miss You.  
I will always remember the joy to find someone literally excited to tell me about this store that he was happy to work at. 
He Lived and Breathed Hardware!! 
  We had fun exchanging banter, stories, thoughts, on the too short excursions through an Awesomely, Unique, Antique, Working Hardware Store / Museum.  LOL!!    : )
I impressed You, with what I consider a small amount of working knowledge of hardware items, but little did I know, I had come face to face with the Gold Standard of not only Customer Service, but also, an Encyclopedia of what the store had, and what it's for., WITHOUT A COMPUTOR, and a new Wonderful Friend.  None Better!!!
It will be hard not to think of you every time I go to search any Hardware Store and not expect to see you!! smile :) 

Thank You, Al, you will always be my measure of Customer Service, Kindness, & Friendship.  

For his Family and Loved Ones,
  I am so Sorry you have lost such a Kind, Accomplished, Generous, Thoughtful Loved One. 
God's Blessings for Each of You. I pray for Comfort, Strength, and Peace.
Valerie Heth, BJC Pharmacy Buyer



I just wanted to say It was a pleasure to work with Al and getting to know him. He always had a smile on his face when he came to work. Please accept my deepest condolences.

I'm sorry for your loss. Al was a great guy he always gave me and my staff here at the Gold Zone of Washington University A1 service! Outside of work I considered Al and Martha my friends. I'm going to miss Al. Martha if you need anything regarding your home repairs please call! Sincerely Wendall Post .

How Wonderful To Be A Clown
by Judith Leach 12/26/01 for Al Thal
The grease paint face may wear a frown
With a wilted daisy looking down
From a time worn hat with a high flat crown.
Or a painted smile may shine quite bright
Over coveralls with a blinking light
From which silken scarves might then take flight.
Over big long shoes there arose
The make-up and the ill-fit clothes
Bringing squeals of laughter as joy flows
From clown to child and back again.
In that tiny car, how many men
Climbed out and walked around and then
Threw confetti on the crowd
Amidst the screams and giggles loud?
To bring such joy must make you proud.
Though your grease paint face may wear a frown
With a wilted daisy looking down
From a time worn hat with a high flat crown
How wonderful to be a clown!

Deepest sympathy to the family of this wonderful man.

Many local residents remember Biener Hardware in Rock Hill and friend to all, Al Thal.

We celebrate the life of Al Thal and his beloved wife Martha, the love of his life and a marriage of 40 years.

I met Al shopping at Biener Hardware in the 80's. He was super friendly and very helpful. We met again at a Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce function. Through it's many meetings, grand openings, ribbon cuttings, and open houses, we became friends.

Al loved helping people, he truly loved what he did. Al was the epitome of great customer service.

Al worked in the hardware business most of his life. Starting at Brooks Hardware then Biener Hardware, Schulte Hardware, and he 
was still working at New Market Hardware when he passed.

Al was a busy guy after work as well. Always helping others through membership in organizations such as Demolay, Scouting, Scottish 
Rite, and The Shriners. Al loved clowning and entertaining the children at Shriners Hospital. He was past President of the Moolah Clowns.

Al and Martha loved Halloween, as they would decorate their home and carve pumpkins every year to the delight of the neighborhood.

Everyone who knew Al knows his conversations always ended with; "If you need anything, let me know. I can bring it to you."

Al, you made a difference in this world and you will be missed and remembered and the kind soul you always were.

Thal Family,
     I had the pleasure of knowing Al from 2 different places. Years ago when I  was a carpenter, later turned contractor, I used to frequent the Rockhill Hardware store on Manchester Road. Al was always the most helpful, customer service oriented person I ever dealt with. Give him a task, and he would take care of it, and always with a smile. Later, I became an employee of Washington University, and low and behold, my old friend Al came calling as my go to guy for hardware or emergency materials. I've never met a man who would go so far out of their way to please a customer as Al did. Al was the most genuine, reliable, responsible, friendly, hard working guy.  I learned a lot from Al about customer service and how to treat people.  Al truly will be missed by all of those he so unselfishly  served.
   Al may you Rest in Peace and find comfort and eternal rest in your place in Heaven!
Your Friend, Nick Hellebusch
    

Alan will be remembered by all who knew him. Always willing to help others. 

I work with Martha.  Al was probably the nicest, kindest person I know.
I remember one time, after only meeting me once, he called to make sure I made it home when we had bad weather.
He will be greatly missed.
My love and prayers are with you, Martha, and all his family.  Mary Jo White

OBITUARY

Alan Paul Thal

December 19, 1956 – August 23, 2023

Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home and Mt Lebanon Cemetery

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