John M. "Jack" Albert

Jack Albert, age 95, passed away on December 20, 2023.

Jack was born at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD on November 28, 1928, to Raymond and Julia Albert. As the oldest of six (6), he was the only one born in a hospital- all his siblings were born at home - a 2-bedroom, one bathroom, coal-heated home for all eight (8) family members.

He grew up in a suburb of Baltimore called Hamilton where he attended St. Dominic's grade school and, with two nuns in the family, took great pride in becoming an altar boy in what was then, an all-Latin mass. By age 12 Jack was working in a local hardware store after school and weekends. He retained his job through high school but still found time to play basketball for Polytechnic Institute before graduating in 1946. In 1947, he met Gloria Galli at the local rec center dance, and they eventually married in 1952 - after Jack was honorably discharged from the Army.

Jack and Gloria bought their first home in Baltimore in 1953 and attended night school at the University of Baltimore for 5 ½ years while holding down full-time jobs. Upon graduation, Jack started his career in sales with the Office Products Division of 3M company where he would enjoy 34-year career retiring in 1989.

Jack and Gloria's children, Suzanne and Lori, were born in the late 50's and grew up with much love and attention from Gloria, Mom Galli and her family. Jack & Gloria were very active and enjoyed their time with fellow parishioners at St. Matthew's, Northwood neighbors and Jack's 3M colleagues.

Jack's career with 3M took them from Baltimore to North Carolina, Chicago, and finally to Philadelphia - where they eventually retired. Along the way, Jack and Gloria made many friends and to their credit, retained those friends through their entire life. Both also became avid golf and tennis players.

Jack took great pride watching his daughters marry and raise families of their own. Suzanne married Doug in 1975 and has one son Matt. Lori married Walt in 1984 and have two grown children Zach and Emily.

Jack & Gloria enjoyed their retirement years living in West Chester, PA, summering in Ocean City MD, and wintering in Sarasota FL. They enjoyed playing golf and tennis, visiting with their many friends, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Their West Chester home introduced them to St.  Simon & Jude where they again expanded their social circle becoming very involved in the church and parish life.

Their final move to the Riddle Village Retirement Community in 2014 was largely due to Gloria's challenges with early dementia. True to form both immediately made an impact - developing new friendships and once again becoming very involved in that community. In fact, Jack gradually earned a new nickname - 
becoming the unofficial "Mayor" of Riddle Village. Gloria eventually passed away in 2021. Jack kept as busy as he could but to no one's surprise, found it difficult to be without Gloria for the first time since they met in 1947.

All who knew Jack would describe him as true gentleman - warm, welcoming, and kind. He just loved people and was always interested in their lives. He was a great listener. People gravitated to him. He was a man of deep faith and integrity - respected by everyone.

We'll all miss Jack, but we will take great comfort in knowing that he and Gloria are back together again - the way they had been for 74 years! And, if Jack/Pop meant anything to us, he'd be pleased to see us take the time to really listen to people and share a bit more kindness to all. He'd also like it if you'd hug them too!

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:30-11:30 AM Monday, January 22, 2024 at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.