Albert Kropp, aka "Big Al," owner of Chicago-based aerial lift rental company Kropp Industries, died in his sleep on May 16 at his residence in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He was 68.
Born in Chicago on August 30, 1945, Kropp was a retired iron worker, operating engineer, entrepreneur, CEO & founder of Kropp Industries. He is survived by two sons, Kurt (Anita) and Kevin Kropp; a daughter, Robin Kropp; his mother, Josephine Emerson; brothers Jerry (Christine) and Randy; as well as a special friend Lori Cirruto and her son, Evan; and grandchildren Ashley, Anna and Lauren Leigh.
Kropp started Kropp Industries in 1975 from a single location in Indiana renting hydraulic cranes and forklifts. The company now has four branches in Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois, focusing on aerial work platforms, forklifts, telehandlers and carry-deck cranes. Kropp’s son Kurt, who was his business partner and vice president, will continue to run the company.
The family will receive friends on May 21 & 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 S. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316. A Mass will be held on Friday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at St Sebastian Catholic Church, 2000 Marietta Dr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316. Entombment to follow at Boca Raton Mausoleum & Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
