Albert Auckland II June 14, 1955 – February 27, 2026

Albert Auckland II, born on June 14, 1955—Flag Day—in Baltimore, Maryland, to Elsie Pentz Auckland and Albert C. Auckland, passed away leaving behind a legacy as colorful and vibrant as the Chesapeake Bay waters, he worked for most of his life.

At just 17 years old, Al joined the United States Navy hoping to serve in Vietnam but instead was stationed in Annapolis—just fifteen minutes from home. Before and after his service, Al devoted himself to the crab and oyster industry. Remarkably, he earned his commercial crabbing license at the age of 14, marking the beginning of a lifelong career in the crab business.

Al owned and captained a 46-foot Chesapeake Bay commercial workboat and, at age 23, purchased a crab business in Fallston known as Kent Island Seafood. Nicknamed the “Crab King,” Al built a reputation as the tough and sometimes crazy crab man—with a heart as big as the Bay. The store flourished under his leadership until 1998, when he sold the business to pursue crab wholesaling. With guidance from a close friend and mentor from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Al successfully transitioned into wholesale distribution.

For more than 20 years, he made the drive from Kent Island to Fallston—sometimes multiple times a day—hauling fresh crabs back for retail and wholesale customers. His work ethic was unmatched.

In 2003, Al returned to retail, purchasing Jarusek’s Seafood Carry-Out on Route 40 in Abingdon. He and his wife operated the business until his retirement in 2020, concluding an impressive 46-year career in the seafood industry. Al treasured the relationships he built with customers—many of whom had been with him since his Fallston days. Whether as a businessman or friend, people remember not only the outstanding crabs but also his unforgettable quips and hilarious stories from the Navy and decades in the crab business. Even the grumpiest customer rarely left without a smile after spending time with Al.

In 1998, Al made Harford County his permanent home, moving from Grasonville on Kent Island.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Carolyn M. Wells; his brother Duane, sister-in-law Nilda, and nephew Patrick of Buffalo, New York; his daughter Donna Lynch Archer and son-in-law Steven of Bel Air, Maryland; his granddaughter Destiny Gumucio of Annapolis, Maryland; his son Charles Gumucio, daughter-in-law Kateryna, and grandchildren Bianca and Maxim of Tampa, Florida; and his son Jeremy Auckland, daughter-in-law Teresa, and granddaughter Ella of Baltimore, Maryland.

He is also lovingly remembered by his beloved cats: Max, Abby, Fiona “Little One,” Pumpkin Alexander, and Oliver.

Al was preceded in death by his cherished son, Pierre Gumucio; his brother, Robert Auckland; and his parents, Elsie Pentz Auckland, and Albert C. Auckland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Al’s memory to Disabled American Veterans or Humane World for Animals.

Al will be remembered for his grit, his humor, his generosity, and the countless bushels of crabs that brought people together around tables for generations.