Albert Tate Jr.

ALBERT TATE JR. Albert R. Tate, Jr., affectionately known as "Big Al", passed away in his sleep Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at the age of 76. He was born in Clymer, Pa., the oldest of seven children. He had many athletic achievements at New Castle High in New Castle, Pa., and was chosen to the Lawrence County Hall of Fame for football. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science degree in marketing on a full football scholarship as an offensive tackle for four years. He played in the Blue-Grey game and the 1951 College All-Star game in Chicago against the NFL champion, Cleveland Browns. He made the Look Magazine All-America team in 1950. He could have joined the 49er's but chose to work for IBM. Al served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Al spent 15 years with IBM where he was honored as "National Sales Manager of the Year" in 1966, and three years as "Regional Manager of the Year." He retired as vice president of sales for Sensormatic Electronics in 1993, after 23 years of service, and was selected as one of a few to the Sensormatic Hall of Fame for 10 years of 100% quota of sales for the company. In 1993, he was appointed vice president of International Sales for Winner International in Sharon, Pa., supervising the implementation of THE CLUB product line on a worldwide scope. He is survived by his wife, Dian Tate; four children, Kathy Dewan, Sharon Maze, Mark and Andy Tate; and stepdaughter, Pam Parkinson. He has seven grandchildren, one step grandson; and two great-grandchildren. A celebration of life for Al will be at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at New Song Church in Henderson. Contributions may be made to New Song Church: The Al Tate Memorial Fund, 1291 Cornet St., Henderson, NV 89052, Ph: (702)294-1671.