Obituary of John Paul Albert
John Paul Albert, 47, of South Windsor, and a long-time Stamford resident, died Tuesday night at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford of complications after surgery. He led a life characterized by devotion to family and friends.
He was born in Stamford, the youngest of five children of the late Gerard P. and Laura C. Albert. He attended Davenport Ridge Elementary School and graduated from Westhill High School. He worked for 22 years at the Finast, Edwards and Stop & Shop stores in Stamford. He was a life-long participant in Special Olympics, earning many medals in tennis and floor hockey at local, state and national events. He loved music, dance and film, particularly the classic tunes, movies and Broadway shows of the thirties, forties and fifties. He was the clan historian, using his video camera to chronicle family events for decades. He lived with his parents in Stamford for 46 years and moved to his brother's home in South Windsor last year, where he made many new friends and volunteered serving meals to the elderly. He was a communicant of St. Bridget of Ireland Church in Stamford and St. Francis of Assisi Church in South Windsor.
He leaves two brothers, Claude and his wife Nancy of Haddam; and Richard and his wife Anne of South Windsor; a sister, Elise Sehulster and her husband Jerry of Stamford; and seven nieces and nephews, to whom he was devoted: Meredith Detwiller and her husband Christopher of Sharon, MA; Michael Albert and his wife Emiliana Patlan of San Antonio, TX; Christopher Albert and his wife Sarah of East Hartford; Joseph Albert of South Windsor; Lauren Albert of Boston; Alexandra Sehulster and her fiancée Salvatore DeLucia of Stamford; and Annaliese Sehulster of Stamford; and a great-nephew, Benjamin Detwiller of Sharon, MA. He was predeceased by his sister Marlaine in 1973.
Family and friends may call on Sunday, December 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 2, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget of Ireland Roman Catholic Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford. Burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Darien.
Memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Special Olympics, 2666 State Street, Suite 1, Hamden, CT 06517-2232.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 21, 2013
Louise Kralich
Dear Albert family, I was a pediatric nurse at St. Joseph and just loved John. I was there when he made his first communion. He was such a very special person who brought much joy to anyone who met him. My condolences to for this loss.
December 18, 2013
Peter Bessa
My heart goes out to the Albert family. Please accept my condolences. I feel blessed to have known John, even though our pathes have not crossed for quite a few years, my memories of him are still fresh of his smile, generosity , tenderness, sense of humor, and of course great acting ability. Those home movies you all made with John,( with such old school technology) were awesome!!! I know how much he enjoyed making them and the poker games as well. Thank you John for being such a great friend to my brother Jimmy! We will all miss you rest in peace.
December 3, 2013
betty hagander
Dear Albert FAMILY,
My heart-felt sympathy for the loss of your beloved John.His love and outstanding standing sense of humor will be greatly missed.May his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Betty Hagander
December 2, 2013
Lynne Sehulster
Walter and I are saddened to hear of John's passing. John was a remarkable young man who was surrounded by a loving family. He loved country music and making movies for which he supplied the stories and directed the action! I remember him as a genuinely happy person, always smiling, living his life to the fullest. Our heartfelt sympathies go to all in the Albert family; we grieve for your loss.
Lynne Sehulster and Walter Bond
December 1, 2013
paul bessa
I have warm memories of John Albert. He was always warm hearted and upbeat. John was a gentle soul and I'll always remembe his musical concerts with my brother Jim. God bless him.
Paul Bessa
December 1, 2013
Eileen Sierra
May you find peace in the many beautiful memories of happier times with John and your remarkable family, and in knowing that every ray of sunshine that brightens each day is the heart-bursting love that John freely gave to all. So very sad for this devastating loss, our family is keeping you all close to our hearts.
December 1, 2013
During This very said time, please lean on the “ God of Comfort” 2nd Cor 1: 3-4
November 30, 2013
Lyn Nevins
John was a shining star in so many ways on our Special Olympics tennis team. He loved to play, he loved to work on his game. He made everyone smile. We will all miss him. My thoughts are with all of you in his family.
November 30, 2013
Lisa Faski
I will never forget the many happy times John and I spent together during Boy Scouts and Special Olympics! Not to mention the many times we visited along with our Moms while growing-up. John's ever-smiling face when he recognized me at the grocery store always made me feel special! He was a bright and shining star to all who knew him. May you forever be at peace now with Mom, Dad and Jesus! God bless you all as I'm sure the loss of John's presence has left a gaping hole in the family who loved and cared so dearly for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Lisa Faski
November 30, 2013
Maryellen Zarnik
John is a wonderful example for us all to live by...unconditionally loving others and accepting people for who they are...I have known john since we were born same month and same year... will never forget his smile, warm greeting and hug every time I saw him
November 30, 2013
John and I were born on the same month, same year. Our Mothers were best friends. My brother Jim Bessa and John were very close. I am very proud of their special friendship. John was a light from above on our Earth and I will always remember him as such, sail on sweet soul... My thoughts are with all of your family, Love Julie Bessa
November 30, 2013
You have my condolences for the loss of your dear brother. May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. (John 11:40-44)
November 30, 2013
We will always remember John's forever happy and smiling face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you....David, Arnie and Marilyn D'Andrea
November 29, 2013
Amy, physical therapist
I never got to here John's voice but I could tell he had a lot to say. I loved to see his smile everyday. It was a pleasure knowing him and working with him. He touched my heart. I am sorry for your loss.
November 29, 2013
Jimmy Bessa
John, you're always in my heart!
November 29, 2013
My sincerest condolences go out to the Albert Family. John was a special friend and fierce Olympian. I have often thought of him when I remember my Stamford years.
Fran Kraus (Sun City, AZ)
November 29, 2013
Chris & Todd Christensen
Albert Family;
John was a wonderful, remarkable man who touched us all with his smile and love for life. Our sincere, deepest sympathy.
November 29, 2013
James Bessa
If I had to say something, about my best friend in the world, here's what I would say:
" Jesus had 12 disciples. If He were to have 13, I think John Paul would qualify! John was a very sweet soul to everybody! I don't know what most people say at these occasions, because in all honesty, I've tried to avoid them. The simplest thing is that I loved John, and I miss him. John and I saw the world together. John saved my life and he knew it before I did. I'm deeply proud that John found it worth his while to know me. In the end, I think it's safe to say we brought some joy to one another's lives. One day when I go to some final resting place, if I happen to wake up next to a certain wall with a gate, I hope that John is there to vouch for me, and show me the "ropes" on the other side. John's life also brought so much joy to others! John Paul Albert died in November. It was a Tuesday.
He was 47 years old. Even now I can't understand the measure of life, but I can tell you this: I know that when he died, his eyes were closed, and his heart was open. There is not a life in this world that John has not touched,
And each one of us is a better person because of him. I always loved John like another brother! He will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will never ever forget him!.....”.
----James R. Bessa
November 29, 2013
A lifetime of caring support and the love of John's family helped to shape him in the remarkable man he became. Always a gentleman, he loved life, laughter and his family most of all.
Our hearts go out to the Albert family. Ken & Kerri Davidson
November 29, 2013
Keith and Evanna Murray
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
November 29, 2013
THE BAROSKY FAMILY
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THE SURVIVORS OF JOHN ALBERT. HIS LIGHT SHONE BRIGHTLY DISPITE MUCH ADVERSITY. REST IN PEACE JOHN.
November 29, 2013
James Bessa
November 29, 2013
James Bessa
November 29, 2013
James Bessa
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Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Stamford2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905-4304
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Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home - Stamford2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06905-4304
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