Al, aka A.W., was named after his grandfather Aloysius Smithbauer. His grandfather was nicknamed “Ollie” and after Al was born he was nicknamed “Wish” to fully complement the name.

Al lived in Pittsburgh, Pa. He served with the U.S. Marines, 1950-6. He was stationed in Japan during the Korean War but did not see action. Al benefitted from the G.I. Bill obtained a degree in elecrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and worked in Ohio and Maryland. He then was an elecrical engineer for Westinghouse in Pittsburgh. Al then joined PPG Glass Research in Harmarville, Pa., in 1966, and worked there for 25 years, generating many innovative technology patents.