Obituary of Ralph C Albano

Ralph Albano, Jr. passed peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2019.  He shared 85 years of faith and generosity with everyone he knew.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 16th at 12 o’clock in the afternoon at St. Mary’s Church, Denville, NJ.  Interment to follow at St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery, Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge.  Visiting hours will be held that morning beginning at 9:30 at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Ralph loved a celebration. The family will be honoring him by wearing his favorite sports team attire.  Please feel free to join us and wear your favorite team in lieu of somber funeral attire.  Donations in his memory may be made to the great work of the Special Olympics by way of www.inmemof.org

Ralph was born in 1934 to Ralph and Antonietta Albano.  He was one of four children to bless the family in Astoria, NY.  Anyone that has had the pleasure of meeting him knows that Kathleen Gaw caught his eye at a local dance and the rest was history.  They married in August of ’63 and started a family of their own.  Ralph put himself through school, graduating from Duke with a masters so that he could provide a good life for his family.  They moved around a bit with his job, making friends along the way.  Kathy raised the children while Ralph moved up the ranks. He was ahead of his time in the world of computer engineering and found his name in print when he dared to predict that one day everyone would have their very own PC sitting on their desk.  He retired from Grand Metropolitan with many happy and healthy years ahead of him.  

Ralph was truly a social butterfly.  Blessed with the gift of gab, he was always the center of attention and genuinely interested in everyone, he never met a stranger.  He was generous to a fault and loved being able to help when he could.  He loved sports and coached his children’s teams through the years.  He was very involved with the Special Olympics and spent countless hours doing all that he could to serve the organization.  

He loved dancing and playing tennis, and frankly was quite good at both.  

Above all he was the loving husband to Kathy of over 55 years, a proud Dad and a doting Grandfather.  Countless beautiful memories have been made and will be cherished forever. Ralph and Kathy have experienced heartache along their journey but their love and faith have guided them and Ralph’s spirit will continue to be a source of strength for their family. 

He leaves joyful memories to his wife Kathleen; his daughters Denise Albano and Stephanie Garder (Todd); his son Robert “Robbie”; his granddaughters Gabrielle, Brianna and Mackenzie; his sister Phyllis Fusco; and many more dear family, friends and neighbors.  His dear son Ralph and his sisters Mary and Rose Albano passed previously.