Sam S. Albanese, Jr., was born July 8, 1943 in Beaumont, Texas to Sam and Mary Lou Creader Albanese. He was the eldest of six children. At the age of seventeen, he joined the United States Marines, as his father had done before him. Less than a year later he was called to participate in the infamous Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba. He became a MP on his base in San Diego, California before leaving the Marines in1964. Upon returning to Beaumont, he joined his father and became a Boilermaker out of Local 587. Over thirty years he worked his way up to several supervisory positions most notably, with Coastal Construction and ET Construction in just about all the local refineries. He was always proud that when his company made repairs on the roof of the Astrodome, he was able to actually walk on top of it.
He married Peggy DiNolfi in 1965 and together they had two sons. He took on fatherhood before their birth and dearly loved the son and daughter she brought with her as well as his own two sons. He enjoyed taking all four children fishing, crabbing, boating and spending time together at the beach.
He always worked hard and played hard. He set standards for all those that worked for and with him. He never expected more of them than he did of himself. He loved home repairs and makeovers and was never satisfied until they became more than what was originally planned.
Sam was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago and although he had bad times, he never lost that certain smile he had and could always charm those around him. He will be missed.
His son, Christopher Mark Albanese; and his father, Sam Salvador Albanese preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Wayne Albanese of Spring and Anthony Huck of Fresno, California; daughter, Frances Spittler of Garden Grove, California; mother, Mary Lou Albanese of Gilchrist; sister, Mary McCown and her husband Melvin of China; brothers, Dominick “Eddie” Albanese and his wife Virginia of Hamshire, Tim Albanese and his wife Donna of Lumberton, Ricky Albanese and his wife June of Hamshire and Joe Albanese and his wife Lee Anne of South Dakota; grandchildren, Robert Allen Spittler of Spurger, Chelsea Albanese and Hope Albanese both of South Carolina and Christopher Mark Albanese, Jr. of Henderson, Nevada; and Margaret (Peggy) Albanese, mother of his children.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2007 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A Christian Vigil will be 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2007 at the Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 440 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
