Del Ray 'Steak King' John 'Big Al' Severson, 73

John K. Severson aka “Big Al,” “Uncle Al the Nation’s Pal,” John “Big Al” or “Uncle Al the Nation’s Pal” Severson, longtime owner and proprietor of Al’s Steak House on Mount Vernon Avenue in Alexandria, VA died peacefully in his home on Saturday, August 15. 2015.

He was born in Hawaii on October 28, 1941 to the late Elizabeth and Arthur Severson. He is survived by his son, John (Bo) Severson and his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and David Swales and their three children of Crozet, Virginia. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Anna Severson of Savannah, GA and his brother, Arthur (Sonny) Severson of Falls Church, VA and their families.

John began what would be his lifetime career at Al’s Steak House at the age of twelve when he began cutting onions after school for the original Al. After a very brief career as a mail carrier, John and his wife, Patricia bought Al’s Steak House in 1966 and he began his reign over Del Ray as “Steak King.” During decades of rapid growth and change, John refused to change anything. He prided himself on providing customers who returned far and wide with a local institution that offered the same massive cheese steaks and familiar surroundings year after year.

Definitely a colorful character, John never let anyone leave Al’s hungry whether they could pay or not and he wanted to be remembered as someone always ready to help others.

The family offers their thanks to the many doctors, nurses, and hospice workers for their loving care and support during his year-long battle with lung cancer.

The family will receive friends at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA on Thursday, August 20, 2015 from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1427 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA.

A private family burial will take place at Mount Comfort Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, due to allergies, the family requests that donations may be made to Alive! So that “Big Al” can continue to feed the hungry in Alexandria.

In addition to the services, a celebration of John’s life will take place at a later date.

You can share a memory or send condolences to the family on the Everly-Wheatley page.