George J. Albert

George J. "Sloshy" Albert died suddenly late Friday night while in the company of his family. A lifelong resident of Wilkes-Barre he was involved in both business and community service organizations throughout his life.

He was a 1943 graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School who, immediately after graduation, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country in World War II. He participated in the Pacific campaign, was involved in the Battle at Okinawa in its Night Fighter Unit and was a member of one of the earliest units to arrive in Japan at the conclusion of the War. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve during the Korean War and eventually returned to Pennsylvania. Along with other family members, his father, Joseph; his uncle, George; his brother, Anthony; and cousins, Albert and Edward, Bloomsburg Metal Co. was founded, grew and remains an active and successful local company to this date.

Mr. Albert was a member of the Wilkes-Barre Lions Club and served as a past president for that organization and was its "Man of the Year," in recognition of his lengthy service to the charities that the organization served. He was a member of St. Anthony's/St. George's Maronite Church his entire life.

He and his wife, the former Emily Radziewicz celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Sept. 5, 2010. In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Laura Albert of Dallas; Dr. Mark J. and his wife, Dawn Baldassari Albert of Dunmore; and attorney Joseph G. and his wife, Kimberly Albert, of Shavertown; his seven grandchildren, Whitney Albert, Sagen Albert, Marco Albert, Zachary Albert, Helena Albert, Ethan Albert and Joseph G. Albert II; and his extended family, Christopher Lambert and Jesse Lambert. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Joseph and Zakia Albert; stepmother, Anna Swiderski Albert; and brother, Anthony Albert.

Friends may pay their respects at a viewing to be conducted from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre. The funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with services at 10 in St. Anthony's Maronite Church, Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.

Mr. Albert was an extraordinary, generous and kind man with friends too numerous to mention and whom he cherished. He will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Those who desire may give memorial contributions to St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Church.