William Woodward Albrecht
William “Bill” Albrecht’s father lived just long enough to see his beloved Tribe win the American League Pennant, but died just before the Cleveland Indians beat the Boston Red Sox to win the 1948 World Series. In the most unlikely of coincidences and after a mere 68-year championship drought, Bill Albrecht lived just long enough to see the Indians advance to the World Series. Like his father before him, Bill was not meant to see if his hometown team would win it all. He died on October 30, 2016 at the age of 82 in his home after a brief illness. In his honor and regardless of outcome, we say: Go Tribe!
Bill’s memorial will be for immediate family. Donations in his name are encouraged to the YMCA (donate.ymca.net) or to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).
Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 1934, Bill was the last child born to Arthur Anslem Albrecht and Gertrude Walburga-Fox. He is survived by his children: Shirley Jr., Cary & wife Kelle, Audrey, Laurie Wiesner & husband Jeff, Mark & wife Cindy, and Kimberlee McHugh & husband Doug. Bill was grandfather to Jaime, Jerimy, Carl, Shannon, Jennifer, Alex, Carmen, Destiny, Sabrina, Connor, Kaitlyn, and Carly.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann, his brothers Bud & Stuart and his sister JoAnne.
Bill’s mother was a great influence on his life and he inherited her passion for classical music and opera. His dream came true when he saw the opera “La Traviata” at The MET in New York City alongside Shirley Jr., Kimberlee, and Doug.
Bill’s favorite place on earth was his property in Union City, PA, where he and his wife raised their 6 children in a beautiful setting. After a tragic fire burned down the family home in 2004, Bill continued to care for the property with help from Cary and Jeff.
Bill served in the Armed Services from 1957 to 1958. He was dedicated to working hard to provide for his family and maintained his independence until the very end. Bill worked as a meat cutter at both A&P and Giant Eagle; assisted in operating a family garment business; drove a bus for a local school district; and helped maintain Camp Sherwin for the YMCA.
Vital to Bill’s life was his wife Shirley. It is impossible to articulate how much she meant to him so we will use Bill’s own words, “my reborn time was in my middle forties when my wife put her foot down…I fell in love with her all over again.”
Askins Cremation Funeral Services, 8354 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA 16509, is assisting the family with arrangements.