JOSEPH NICHOLS ALBERT

1932 - 2022

ALBERT, JOSEPH NICHOLS August 22, 1932 – October 3, 2022 Joe Albert left this world to join his loving wife of 70 years, Elizabeth, always "Lib" to him, exactly one year to the day after she passed away. We believe that she saw that he was tired, and although it broke our hearts to lose him, we knew she wanted him with her. His 90 years were full of the joy of his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by his daughters, Jo-Anne (Graham), Judy (Angelo) and Jackie (Dave); and his 8 grandchildren (Christopher, Nicole, David, Teresa, Michael, Emily, Amy, Sheena); 10 great-grandchildren (Jaimee, Jessica, Paul, Cameron, Maximus, Sophia, Wesley, Jacob, Nathan, Kennedy); and 1 great-great-grandson (Elias). He will also be missed by his dear friend, Lynn Blanchard, who he often said was like a brother to him. His beloved dog, Lucy and his cat, Chloe, share our loss. Joe was born in Toronto to Sicilian immigrant parents, Joseph and Teresa Alberti, before settling happily in Aurora with his young family over 60 years ago. Coming from a culture of strong work ethic, Joe was very proud of his long and dedicated service to the TTC, where he spent most of his working life. His family was his greatest love and passion, and he will be remembered for the many joyous celebrations at the Albert home, and no matter how much work, the only thing that mattered to him was that everyone had a good time. As the patriarch of our family, he will be so dearly missed. Joe's other passion was sports, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, and the local Aurora Tigers. Over the years he had many memories of their games, and he collected much memorabilia, stating on his 90th and last birthday, his wish that the family would enjoy them. He had many happy times at the family cottage on Prospect Lake in Muskoka. The cottage was often full to bursting with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with lots of noise, laughter and the odd squabble, but Joe never complained. He could be found in the middle of it all making us laugh. Joe had a great sense of humour and often made us groan with his silly Dad jokes. We all remember his delicious spaghetti and mouthwatering meatballs. Joe enjoyed a long and happy retirement. During his earlier retirement, Joe loved to travel, to Cuba, Italy, Jamaica, cruises to Alaska and the Baltic, and many more. In later years, the only thing he truly wanted was to enjoy time in the family home that he treasured. He loved going out for coffee with his buddies almost every day, and as his health declined, he would try to make it out most Saturday mornings. Joe had many health challenges in the last years of his life, but he bore them without complaint. Always thinking of others, he said only that he didn't want to be a burden. While in the hospital, he shared many stories of the past, some we heard for the first time. He loved to talk, and we were grateful for those final days with him when he came home. As per Joe's wishes, no funeral was held and his ashes rest at home, alongside those of his beloved wife. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends in due course.