Albert Lee Brockwell, a proud Colonial Heights native, passed away unexpectedly on September 25, 2026, at the age of 65.

Born on December 19, 1960, Al’s love of community and service began in high school as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Colonial Heights. As a teenager, he and his father, Johnny, devoted their time for the preservation and construction of 24 acres of walking trails through Fort Clifton. Al continued his community service with the Civil Air Patrol, and additionally worked as a police dispatcher and a firefighter for Henrico County, serving through the early ‘80s.

In 1986, Al graduated Virginia Commonwealth University, earning a degree in psychology. He later went on to earn a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the City University of New York. Al proudly served his country as an assessment psychologist for the Central Intelligence Agency, directly briefing President George H.W. Bush. Following his career in government, Al worked in a number of large organizations as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, including Young & Rubicam, IBM, Malcolm Pirnie and Sodexo. He also maintained his own consulting firm, Elite Performance Strategies. Al taught psychology at SUNY Purchase, Iona College, and VCU, where he cherished his interactions with students. After 30 years in the NY metro area, Al returned to Virginia and his beloved Colonial Heights. Al was an avid world traveler and a lover of classic comedy movies, barbecue, rock and country music, ice hockey, and ham radio. He enjoyed playing hockey and golf, as well as driving around in his Jeep Wrangler and getting “ducked” along the way. In recent years, Al was a member of the Dinwiddie/Colonial Heights Amateur Radio Emergency Services group, where he utilized his callsign, KC2UZM.

Al, affectionately known as Winky, was preceded in death by his parents, Ann and Johnny Brockwell. He is survived by his children, Marc and Mara, whom he loved and adored more than anything else. Al will be remembered for his intelligence, dedication to service, and his deep pride for his children.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pavilion at Fort Clifton Park, 100 Brockwell Lane Colonial Heights, VA 23824 at 11am on Saturday, October 17th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Colonial Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Checks can be made out to "COLONIAL HEIGHTS VOLUNTARY FIRE AND EMS" and mailed to: City of Colonial Heights Fire and EMS PO BOX 3401 Colonial Heights, VA 23834. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.