Alfred Myron Peskoe, a lifelong resident of Long Branch, passed away Jan. 10, 2026, surrounded by family and with the gratitude of a community he served for decades. He was born Oct. 29, 1929, at Atlantic City Hospital in Atlantic City, to Bernard and Frances Peskoe.
Raised in Long Branch, Al attended the Monmouth County school system before leaving briefly to pursue his education at Michigan State University. He graduated June 4, 1950, and soon after answered the call to serve his country. As a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army, he served overseas throughout the Korean War, demonstrating the same sense of duty and steadiness that would define his life.
Upon returning home, Al entered the family business, Norwood Distributors Auto Parts, a cornerstone of the Long Branch commercial community. He co-owned and operated the company with Lloyd Peskoe for many years, ultimately assuming sole ownership in 1981 and continuing to guide the business until its sale in 1986. His leadership helped sustain Norwood Distributors as a trusted local institution for generations of customers.
Al continued to consult and assist local businessman Dave Gruskos, a tenured employee of Norwood Auto Parts and founder of Reliable Auto Equipment, in building that company into the domestic and international business that it is today. Dave and Al were close friends and business colleagues for over 40 years.
Service to others was the constant thread of Al’s life. A devoted and lifelong member of the Long Branch Rotary, he embodied the organization’s creed, “Service Above Self.” His dedication was recognized with Rotary’s highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellow Award, in 2023, followed by the Community Service Award in 2025, fitting tributes to a man who gave generously of his time, energy and heart. Al also touched many lives as a volunteer offering complimentary tax services through the local library for the surrounding communities.
Al was predeceased by his beloved wife, Eleanor Kaswiner Peskoe, with whom he shared a life of partnership, family and community commitment. He is survived by two of his children, Carol Peskoe-Schaner of Newport Beach, California, and Steven Peskoe of Sandersville, Georgia, as well as three cherished grandchildren: Ashley, Alex and Jeffrey Peskoe. Their lives carry forward his warmth, integrity and quiet strength.
Alfred Peskoe will be remembered as a devoted family man, a steadfast businessman, a proud veteran, and a community servant whose generosity touched countless lives. His legacy endures in the city he loved and the people who were fortunate enough to know him.
A celebration of life was held March 14 at Branches in West Long Branch.
The article originally appeared in the March 19 – 25, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
