Ralph T. Albanese

Ralph T. Albanese, 93, formerly of St. Paul Street, Amsterdam, NY; passed away Thursday morning September 19, 2019 at Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scotia, NY.

Born in Amsterdam on September 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Anthony and Antoinette Ferrara Albanese.

Ralph attended St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam, leaving prior to graduation to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Seventy –two years later, he received his High School Diploma on June 27, 2015 as part of “Operation Recognition” a legislative act supporting veterans who served in World War II. As stated by then Superintendent of Schools, Thomas F. Perillo, “The Greater Amsterdam School District is proud to award this diploma to you, and we are forever grateful for your dedication and service to our country”.

Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 and completed amphibious training prior to boarding the USS Oberon, an amphibious cargo ship, which would be his primary living quarters until his honorable discharge in 1946. He travelled over the equator more than 13 times, and was part of invasions in Southern France and Okinawa.

After his discharge, Ralph worked at Sanford Mills prior to being hired as a machinist at the General Electric Company in Schenectady. He continued his machinist vocation at Systemation and Mechanical Technology Incorporated prior to his retirement from Troy Built Manufacturing.

Ralph was a parishioner and communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam.

He was a member of Amsterdam Elks Lodge 101, where in 2005, Ralph earned the distinction of (Elk of the Year), Knights of Columbus Council 209, Horace J. Inman Senior Center, Southside Veterans, Southside Bocce League and was also an avid bowler, participating in several Amsterdam Bowling Leagues.

Ralph was married to Margaret L. Visconti Albanese on September 19, 1948. Margaret passed away November 19, 2006. Ralph is survived by two sons, Ralph “Tim” Albanese (Ann) of Fort Myers, FL; and Anthony Albanese (Barbara) of Scotia, NY; three grandchildren, Tim Albanese (Natasha), Ed Albanese (Heather) and Lindsay Goatseay (Patrick), eleven great grandchildren, Nico Albanese, Zoey Albanese, Alexis Baker, Isabel Baker, Gabrielle Albanese, Brooke Albanese, Madison Albanese, Andrew Graves, Trent Graves, Theo Johnson and Abigail Johnson.

Ralph was also predeceased by a grandson, Nicholas Albanese and a great grandson, Michael Albanese.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning October 4, 2019 at 10:30 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc., 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, NY; 12010, followed at 11:15 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 39 St. John Street, Amsterdam, NY.

Friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the service at the Riley Mortuary.

Interment will take place at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Memorial gifts in Ralph’s name may be made to Wildwood School, 2995 Curry Road Ext., Schenectady, NY 12303.

To send online condolences to the family, visit www.rileymortuaryinc.com