Matthew Thomas Albers

Matthew Thomas Albers, age 65 of Chantilly, Virginia flew west into the setting sun on his final flight June 2, 2023. We have lost a kind fellow and fine aviator to the eternal sky.

Matt was born on January 21, 1958 in Montclair New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his parents William Richard Albers and Barbara Anne (Colbert) Albers.

Matthew attended Mantua and Saint Leo's grade school and graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, VA in 1976.

From an early age, Matt loved music, fixing old cars, and aviation. He bought his first car before he could drive, and parked it around the corner so his parents would not know it was his. He fixed it up and bought another, which was his pattern for many years. He enjoyed playing music professionally and was a member of Raven and Mantua bands.

Matt was introduced to flying by his father (a WWII Marine Corp. fighter pilot). He started flying in 1975 with his first solo ride in 1976. His love of flying eventually led to a career in aviation. He obtained his private pilot license in 1978. He flew his father's SNJ (WWII trainer) for his commercial license which must have been a quite the experience for the FAA examiner to sit behind the pilot instead of the right seat during the check ride. Matt documented his log books with pictures of the planes and pilots who accompanied him throughout his career.

Captain Albers' flying career spanned five decades. He accumulated more than 15,900 hours of flight time and held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. He flew many aircraft that ranged from the Piper Cub to the DC-3 to the wide body jets that crossed the oceans and continents of the world.

During the course of his career, Captain Albers flew for Colgan Airways in Manassas, VA, Provincetown Boston Airlines in Naples, FL, Rental Uniform Service in Culpepper, VA, Cerand Aviation, Ryan Air and Gemini Air Cargo. He also earned a BA in Theocentric Business and Ethics, an Airframe and Power Plant Certificate, an Aviation Law Certification, and was a Certified Flight Instructor, NOAA Weather Observer, Aerobatic Instructor and author of the well-respected book, You Can Land The Airliner.

Captain Albers ended his professional flying career with Gemini Air Cargo in Dulles, VA. He flew DC-10 aircraft to international operations and traveled to all continents except Antarctica. He eventually advanced to Chief Pilot with oversight of 240 pilots. He was always a promoter of aviation and helped develop the careers of many pilots over the years. His skills in an aircraft were performed at the highest levels, always with confidence and professionalism.

Captain Albers received a USAF Aerial Achievement Medal for flights into Afghanistan.

Matt retired from professional flying in 2009 and turned back to his first love of music where he reunited with his musician friends. He continued to write and record songs and shared his music videos on YouTube. Matt loved the water and spent hours boating and fishing here on the Potomac and in Florida. Matt continued flying as a private pilot.

Matt leaves behind his partner of 15 years Jerilyn, one son, Christopher (Hillary), two precious and dearly loved granddaughters, Elsie and Hazel, three sisters, Marianne (Bill) Forbes of West Virginia, Diane (Lenny) Gordon of Pennsylvania, and Karen (Richard) McKenzie of California, as well as ten nieces and nephews and numerous fellow aviators spread all over the world.

Matt was a caring father with a compassionate love for his son and grandchildren. He cherished his time with them and would tear up at laughter from his grandchildren as they ran and played by his side. He bonded through humor with his son and taught him to put others first, to lift the spirits of those in need, and that love is the strongest thing in the world.

Matt was a giver. He never hesitated to help others less fortunate than himself and brought smiles and laughter to friends and strangers alike.

A funeral mass will be held on July 6 at 11 AM at Saint Leo's Catholic Church, 3700 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed (Leo-live at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church Fairfax, Virginia (stleofairfax.com).

Matt will be laid to rest at Fairfax Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Crucifix immediately following the Mass (9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax VA).

Please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors, Tunnels to Towers, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Matt's memory.

As Matt's plane soars towards its final destination, friends, airmen and family will forever remember him as he blends into the twilight of the western sky. The wake he leaves behind from his last takeoff will live on in the many lives he touched.

And the flight continues....