This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Obituary courtesy of Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home
WATERBURY George J. Albino "Lifelong Waterbury Businessman"
George J. Albino, 87, of Waterbury CT and Matunuck Point RI peacefully passed away in his home Thursday 16 December 2021. He was the beloved husband of the late Elaine E. [Lacilla] Albino for 61 years.
George was born in Waterbury on 21 August 1934. Son of George W. Albino and Mary [Moffo] Albino. He attended Driggs Grammar School, Leavenworth High School and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves during the closing days of the Korean War. George retired in 2016 as CEO of Servicemaster Albino Services following a 30 year career at the company. He was a charter member of the Servicemaster International Admirals Club, a selected member of the elite Servicemaster Premier Circle and Partner Achievement Group. He was also a member of the Waterbury Jaycees, Waterbury Downtown Businessmen's Association, Waterbury Public Speaking Club, Brass City Toastmasters and a board member of the Waterbury Civic Theater Board of Directors where he also participated both on stage and off in many theater productions. George began his business life at the age of 8 while working in his father's Eagle Shoe Repair Shop in downtown Waterbury's Exchange Place. Determined and hard working George would become an expert leather and shoe repair craftsman. George and his late brother Allan eventually purchased the business from their father and operated the shop as partners until 1972 when he left to pursue an opportunity in the Servicemaster Franchise System with his late father-in-law Frank Lacilla and his brother-in-law Dennis Lacilla. George learned and mastered this new industry over the next 14 years with Servicemaster of Waterbury until 1986 when he struck out on his own and became CEO of Servicemaster Albino Services. He soon partnered with his son David Albino, where over the next 30 years, they along with a devoted and loyal staff, made Servicemaster Albino Services one of the premier businesses in the Servicemaster Worldwide franchise system amassing many honors and awards along the way including earning a place for George's name to be inscribed on the Servicemaster Wall of Honor at the Servicemaster World Headquarters in Memphis TN. This recognition for his business ingenuity and integrity based business model has earned him the respect of his peers and competitors alike. George and David operated the business day to day for 30 years; just past George's 82 birthday when the business was sold in 2016 and a long successful business career came to an end with George's retirement.
George was the last of 4 generations of successfully run Albino businesses operating in Waterbury dating back to 1923.
George's success as a businessman was eclipsed by the success he achieved as a husband and father. His love affair with his beautiful wife Elaine spanned 65 years. Following a four year courtship they were married 3 September 1956 settling inTown Plot where they raised three children in the home they built and lived in for 54 years. Elaine was the treasure of his life; the fabric that was woven into every facet of George's personal, professional and business life. Their love of travel would take them to many domestic and international destinations across the globe with Italy near and dear to their hearts. Their lust for travel adventures continued well into their twilight years inspiring their children and grandchildren into lives of curiosity and travel. No matter where George would travel he was always happy to return to his beloved hometown of Waterbury; where he would remain until he breathed his last breath.
George is survived by daughter Deborah [Albino] Dodenhoff and husband Doctor Robert Dodenhoff, of Middletown CT, Kenneth Albino and his life partner Maria Miele of Palm City FL, David Albino and wife Kathleen of Southington CT, grandchildren Blake Albino and wife Berkely of Huntington Beach CA, Lt Commander Michael Dodenhoff, United States Navy and his wife Taylor of Hanford CA, Lt Robert Dodenhoff, United States Air Force and his wife Alyssa of Felton DE, and Jovanna Albino of Palm Beach Gardens FL. Great grandchildren Brooklyn, Lyla and Luna Dodenhoff. Sisters Geraldine of Wolcott CT, Carolyn Longo of Windham NH, Cynthia Bennett and her husband Paul of Franklin NC and Rosemary Kuropat and wife Susan Slover of Wainscot NY. Brothers-in-law Dennis Lacilla of Southbury CT and Paul Bennett of Franklin NC. Sisters-in-law Esther [Campanaro] Lacilla of Southbury CT and Gloria [Champagne} Albino of Wolcott CT as well as many much loved , respected and accomplished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beautiful wife Elaine and his much missed younger brother Allan.
Arrangements: All funeral services for George are going to be held privately and at the convenience of the family. George will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery next to his beloved Elaine. A memorial Mass will be held in the future and will me announced at a later time. George's funeral services have been entrusted to Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in George's memory to: The Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675
Patch Mayors are trusted local users who help moderate the Patch platform by promoting good local stories and flagging unwanted content. To learn more, click here.