Captain William R. "Will Ret." Albertolli USN

NORFOLK, VA – Captain William R. "Will" Albertolli, USN (Ret.), 83, passed away peacefully at his home on February 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving daughters, Cristina Albertolli Todd and Celina Albertolli Miller.

Will was born on February 6, 1943, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Luis A. and Gilberte M. Albertolli. He immigrated to the United States with his family and lived in Alexandria, Virginia, where he graduated from Francis Hammond High School.

He attended the University of Virginia, serving as president of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and earned a Bachelor's degree from the School of Architecture. Following graduation, Will entered the United States Navy, where he became a Naval Aviator. He trained and flew naval aircraft in Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida, and later served as an exchange pilot with the Venezuelan Air Force.

Will continued his education while serving, earning a Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and a Program Manager's degree from the Defense Systems Management College.

Throughout his distinguished naval career, he held numerous technical and leadership positions, including assignments at the Naval Air Test Center in Patuxent River, Maryland; the Naval Air Systems Command in Arlington, Virginia; and the Naval Aviation Depot in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Commanding Officer. He concluded his naval service in Norfolk, Virginia, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Material at Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

After retiring from the Navy, Will continued his leadership in the private sector as Senior Vice President of VSE Corporation in Alexandria, Virginia, and later as President of the VSS Division of VSE Corporation in Patuxent River, Maryland.

During his naval career, Will was awarded the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal (two awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. He loved his country deeply and served it with honor and pride.

Will was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charleen, and his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Cristina Albertolli Todd of Visalia, California, and Celina Albertolli Miller and her husband, McGowin, of Birmingham, Alabama; his cherished grandchildren, Jim, David, and Izzie Miller of Birmingham, Alabama; his sisters, Carmen Daughtry of Calabash, North Carolina; Susan King and her husband, Kenny Tomcich, of Arlington, Virginia; and Monica Carra and her husband, Richard Cato, of Southport, North Carolina; his stepdaughter, Shawn Huddy, and his step-granddaughter, Bryleigh Peele, both of West Lafayette, Indiana.

Will was an avid sailor. He and Charleen shared a great adventure sailing from Norfolk to Venezuela and spent three and a half years living aboard their ketch, "Top Cat", exploring the Caribbean-a chapter of life he treasured deeply.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org