Albert Roger Descoteaux

Entrepreneur, Educator, Loving Husband, Father

Albert Roger Descoteaux of Boynton Beach, FL, passed gently on May 4, 2026, at Hospice By The Sea in Boca Raton, surrounded by family after a brief battle with leukemia.

Born in 1940 and raised in Waterbury, CT, he was the eldest of Henry and Germaine Descoteaux’s eight children (no surprise, a Catholic family). As a teenager working in his uncle’s French Canadian grocery store, he sharpened both his work ethic and bilingual charm—traits that came to define “Big Al.”

He graduated Crosby High School 1958, St.Thomas Seminary AA 1960, Fairfield University 1962 (BA Summa cum laude), Middlebury College 1965 (MA), and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Michigan, where he also taught, leaving with an ABD degree and a spitfire wife. With passion and grace, Al inspired thousands of students at Gannon College, University of Dayton, Woburn High School, and Boston University. At the U of M in Ann Arbor, he met his love of 53 years, Nikki Klayman, a fellow teacher and kindred spirit. Married in 1969 in celebrations that spanned from Michigan to Miami Beach, they built a partnership filled with adventure and deep devotion. Together they made their home in Dover, MA, where they raised their son Mike and foster daughter Nicole in a household defined by warmth, humor, and generosity.

Then, plot twist: After decades of teaching, Al opened, owned, and operated two award-winning Sir Speedy printing centers in Boston, consistently ranking among the top 10 in a global network of 900 locations. He took pride not just in success, but in the challenge of getting it right and the integrity of a job well done.

Al embraced life fully. He performed with the Dover Foundation, often sharing the stage with Mike, whose artistic career he championed wholeheartedly. Summers on Cape Cod were among his happiest times, boating aboard his storied Blackfin, Black Magic, fishing and by his own admission, playing “lousy golf” with great enthusiasm.

Retiring at Tivoli Reserve in Boynton Beach, Al continued to lead and connect, serving five years as HOA president. With his remarkable (iconic?) wife Nikki, they travelled the world over for many years by air, sea, rail, and occasionally mule. After Nikki’s passing in 2022, he found love again with his “blonde bombshell” Anita, with whom he shared joy, laughter, and many new memories. The two were joined in a heartfelt commitment ceremony surrounded by loving members of both families.

Al is remembered for his infectious smile, quick wit, effortless leadership, and boundless generosity. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something larger: family, friendship, or simply a good story told over a cup of decaf.

He is survived by his son Michael Descoteaux and daughter-in-law Deana Criess, grandchildren Jackson and Madelaine Tolliver, foster daughter Nicole Bumgarner, his siblings Susan Hudak (husband Frank), Michele Forte (husband Michael), Lisa Descoteaux, and brother Robert Descoteaux (wife Diane), his partner Anita Licker and her devoted family. Al was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nikki Descoteaux, and his siblings Richard, Janet, and Pauline. Uncle Al leaves behind an adoring cadre of nieces and nephews. Everyone who knew him loved him and, in the end, hundreds of fans were cheering on “Team Big Al.”

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heritage Museum of Cape Cod, a place that brought him peace and joy. His son apologizes for any grammatical errors dad will no doubt wish to correct in this obituary.