John Albanese (1931-2022)

John L. Albanese, 90, of Hershey, passed away on May 11, 2022. John was born in Steelton on August 21, 1931; the son of the late John Albaneze and Anna Plut Albaneze. John was married to his loving wife, Annarose Gustin Albanese, for 47 years prior to her passing in April 2005. John retired as a network manager with the 7th Signal Command Communications Division with the Department of Defense at Fort Ritchie, MD and was also employed at the former Olmstead Air Force Base. For nearly 20 years John drove the 140-mile round trip between his home in Hershey and Fort Ritchie, MD. John also worked for CACI and as a contractor for the Hershey Company. John was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, serving with the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles," seeing significant front line combat activity and received numerous commendations for valor. John was a graduate of Harrisburg Catholic "Class of 1949" and the former Hershey Junior College. In grade school John was a campanologist "bell ringer" for the former St. Peter's Parish across the street in Steelton, dutifully ringing the church bells every day at 7am and 6pm. He was an avid Penn State Football fan, followed football and basketball, and was an admirer and visitor to many U.S. National Parks. John was a key contributor on the St. Peter's Parish Basketball team which won a regional championship in Jersey City, NJ. As a do-it-all craftsman, John personally built his home and regularly applied his talents assisting friends and family with repairs and upgrades. John is survived by his children: daughter Therese Bretz (Jim) of suburban Harrisburg; sons John (Robin) of Lafayette Hill, PA and Salida, CO, Robert of Hershey, whom he lived with, and David (Melissa) of Pasadena, MD. Grandchildren Stuart Bretz (Krista), Gregory Bretz, Benjamin Bretz, Marielle Albanese Czabaranek (Stephen), Michaela Albanese, Kaitlyn Albanese, and John Albanese. Great granddaughter Sloane Bretz. Sisters Helen Donato and Bernadette Jones and Brother-in- Law Robert Gustin. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 16, 2022, in St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue in Hershey with Rev. Alfred Sceski, Pastor, Celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery at the conclusion of Mass. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 16, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in Wiedeman Funeral Home, 357 South Harrisburg Street, Oberlin, Steelton, PA 17113. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033. www.pennlive.com/obits