Robert James Albert, 92, of Amelia Island, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at his home in Osprey Village, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
Bob was born July 29, 1930 in East St. Louis, IL. He was the son of Martin & Maude (Ludwig) Albert. He attended Southern Illinois University for one year before receiving a Congressional Appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point, Bob met the love of his life, Mildred (Millie) Eleanor Wolf. They were married in the U.S. Military Academy Cadet Chapel on June 7, 1953 a few days after his graduation from West Point.
Upon graduation, Bob was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division (“Hell on Wheels”). Bob’s first posting was to Fort Knox, Kentucky, followed by a posting to Fort Hood in Killeen, TX. His next duty assignment was in Sandhofen, Germany at Coleman Barracks. Bob was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in June 1956. He completed his active duty service in December 1956, followed by six years of reserve duty in the U.S. Army. Bob remained an active member of the West Point Association of Graduates throughout his life.
After leaving the army, Bob worked for the Alcoa Corporation in Atlanta, GA and then joined the United States Steel Corporation at their plant in Fairless Hills, PA. He was later promoted and transferred to the Sales and Marketing Division at US Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. He continued working there until his retirement in 1994. While living in the Upper St. Clair suburb of Pittsburgh, Bob also earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Duquesne University and later taught Marketing classes at the Community College of Allegheny County.
Through their 64 years together, Bob and Millie raised five children, welcomed spouses into their family, and were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Active in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, they also enjoyed family vacations, attending Army football games (Go Army – Beat Navy!), playing bridge, collecting antiques, traveling to see family and friends, and participating in the local community theatre. Bob was an avid golfer and after his retirement, he and Millie moved to a home on a golf course in Fredericksburg, VA. Soon after relocating, they started a 55 Club in the community which became the center of their active social life for the 20 years they lived there. In November 2014, Bob and Millie made their final move to Osprey Village on Amelia Island. Bob was a very active member of the community, serving in several positions on the Resident Advisory Committee. He enjoyed bridge and played several times a week. Bob also continued playing golf and was a member of the Amelia River Club.
Bob will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished all of his family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred Eleanor Albert (d. May 30, 2016). He is survived by his children, R. Steven (Susan) Albert of Jay, NY, Sherri Bryan of Fleming Island, FL, Michael (Angela) Albert of Cleveland, OH, James (Karen) Albert of Pittsburgh, PA, and Tracy (Donald) Nedresky of Fleming Island, FL; his grandchildren Martin (Sue Ellen) Albert, Brian (Christine) Albert, Kevin Albert, Zachary, Chad (fiancée Claudia) and Jacob Albert, Ryan (Rachel) Nedresky, Daniel (Ashley) Nedresky and Kayla (Austin) Marks; and his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Noah, Cora and Maya Albert and Piper Nedresky. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Dolores Wolf Albert and June Wolf Rudie and his brother-in-law Donald D. Rudie, Sr., as well as his many nieces and nephews.
Bob’s family is grateful for the deep affection he and his dear friend, Lyn Rion, have shared during the past 5 years and the incredible support Lyn has given him when his health was challenged. They are also thankful for the wonderful caretakers of Live Long Well Care who looked after Bob when his health started to decline and for the compassionate and caring staff of Community Hospice. The family was truly, truly blessed to have all of you by our side during this difficult time.
There will be a private celebration of his life and inurnment at West Point Cemetery at a later date.
Rather, than flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Community Hospice Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring, 1348 South 18th Street, Building B, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32304 or to the charity of your choice.