Alfred Golden was born March 16 1958 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the second child, and second son born to Henderson Golden (Hank), and Josephine Barnes (Joe). His mother often bragged that his temperament was just like his birth...easy. She would tell how miraculously easy his birth was, especially since she gave birth to him alone at home. His father dubbed him Mr. Personality. From a very young age it was evident that Al had a quiet, easygoing, and magnetic charm that everyone noticed.

Hank and Joe moved North with their children to Brooklyn, NY in the Spring of 1962.

Al loved music - especially Jazz! While in Junior High, and High School Al proficiently played the Clarinet and Guitar. Along with music he loved Drawing, Calisthenics, and Martial Arts, but his real passion was Track. He was a Long Distance Runner on the Franklin K. Lane High School Track Team until he graduated in June of 1976, with honors.

Pondering a career in Architecture he enrolled in drafting classes in a private school. Devastated by the death of his father Hank in September, 1976, he re-imagined his future and decided to enlist in the United States Army in 1977. With his great sense of responsibility he immediately arranged an allotment of his pay to his mother. He completed 2 tours in South Korea, two tours in Germany, and was also stationed state-side at Fort Hood in Killene, Texas. He was promoted to Sergeant, and was at one time appointed as transport personnel for a General. In the Fall of 1982 Al brought his mother to Texas to live with him. With his encouragement his Mom, at the age of 52, went back to school, earned her High School Diploma, and enrolled in Central Texas College. Becoming disenchanted with some of the politics of the Military, he left the Army with an honorable discharge November 29, 1983. He lived in Killene and then Austin, Texas driving Rigs before returning to Brooklyn in the spring of 1988.

While he could not immediately find a trucking job, Al became a Bicycle Messenger in the City.

What a win-win! Ever health-conscious, and physically fit, combining a great workout with making money was totally ideal for him. He really enjoyed it! He later found employment as a Trucker, and began working intermittently for his Brother Hansel's Moving  Company as a driver and mover. Again, his indelible charm, and impeccable Customer Service skills earned him rave reviews from Customers.

Some years ago Al developed a simple, environmentally safe Rodenticide. He named his business Rid-A-Critter! Those who used his product testified that it really worked! So for years while working full-time, he attempted to get Rid-A-Criitter off the ground.

Becoming tired of the City, and the high cost of living, he moved to Albany, NY in 2006.

Al's eldest son was born February 18, 1991. Cherishing his relationship with his own father, he vowed to be the best father he could be to Khalah.

While at his Sister's wedding, Al met his wife Lourdes. They married on September 26, 1992. November 7, 2000 their union was blessed with the birth of his 2nd son Amani.

His sons were his life! He was proud of both of them, and enjoyed a very special relationship with both.

Al's charm was his cool, easygoing nature, his intelligence, his reasoning skills, and his silky smooth voice. He had a laugh that made you laugh. Always hungry for knowledge, he read all the time. He was always willing to share jewels of wisdom with his family and friends. Never being one to seek the spotlight, he often became a mentor without meaning to. His positive affirmations were part of his encouraging nature, and compelled anyone to be the best they could be. He felt obligated, and was committed to nurturing the younger generations of his family. Although he was slight in stature, he commanded the respect of those much bigger than him simply by of the way he carried himself. His words were measured, and he was slow to anger. Yet he had no problem physically taking on someone who may have pushed his buttons one too many times. That side of him he truly tried to keep under wraps because he was a force to be reckoned with!

Alfred (Al) Golden, lovingly named after his paternal Grandfather - the Father, the Brother, the Uncle, the Mentor, the Friend, was returned to God, and departed this world on November 27, 2016, at the age of 58.

Left to mourn: His wife Lourdes Golden; Sons: Khalah Jones-Golden, and Amani Golden; Siblings: Luther, and Alice Williams, Hansel Golden, and Selma Smothers; Brother-in-Law: Gene Smothers; Nephews: Aaron Washington, Eric Mitchell, Otis Reaves, Lloyd Dillon, Damian and Jamal Golden, Tyrone McClary, Leo Banks, and Jared Smothers; Nieces: Sherri Mitchell, Tyesha McClary-Banks,Tiffany Golden, Dawn O'Neal-Washington, and Heather McClary; 

Aunt: Mrs Mary B. Matthews; along with a host of Great Nephews, Nieces, Cousins, and friends.

Comforting words from his Nephew whom he affectionately called TyMac:

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

Love leaves memories no one can steal!

Don't cry for me now I have died, for I'm still here I'm by your side,

My body's gone but my soul's is here, please don't shed another tear,

I am still here I'm all around, only my body lies in the ground.

I am the snowflake that kisses your nose,

I am the frost, that nips your toes.

I am the sun ,bringing you light,

I am the star, shining so bright.

I am the rain, refreshing the earth,

I am the laughter, I am the mirth.

I am the bird, up in the sky,

I am the cloud, that's drifting by.

I am the thoughts, inside your head,

While I'm still there, I can't be dead.

Author unknown