Donald Jerome Albertson * Erie PA Strong Vincent High School Class of 1942 * Rest in Peace
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Donald Jerome Albertson, age 84, of Erie, died Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was born in Erie on November 14, 1923, the son of the late Claude and Emma Albertson.

He was a 1942 graduate of Strong Vincent High School, got a BA in 1947 from Gannon College, where he was a cofounder and life member of the original Gannon College Alumni Association, and a member of the University’s Heritage Society. He got his M.ED from the University of Pittsburgh, and later was named as an adjunct faculty Teacher Educator for Northwest, Pa., conducting classes in Bradford, Erie, Meadville, and Titusville.

He served in the 386th Infantry; saw combat in Europe; was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Star; and served in the initial occupation of Japan.

He was employed at W.T. Grant Co. He was a coordinator, supervisor, student services director at Erie County Technical School and the Regional Adult Skill Center. He was an officer and board member of several local and state education and industry councils and a curriculum writer for the PA Dept. of Education and the University of Pittsburgh. He was a member of the state leadership in managing 1000 student vocational education conferences. He presented Education, Business and Industry seminars in Philadelphia, CA, Miami, and Atlanta.

Following retirement, he became a feature writer, columnist and Senior Editor of the “The Erie Story” magazine. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and loved music of all kinds, from New Orleans jazz to classical and opera. He was an avid reader, a student of Erie and Colonial PA history, and an active bowler. A family historian, he was a member of the Erie County Historical Society and a life member of the Erie Society for Genealogical Research, and a member of the Siebenbuerger Club.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Adams Albertson; one sister, Wonetta Rockwell; and brothers George, Bob, Jack, and Bill.

He is survived by his close companion, Joyce Carponter; sons, Geoffrey Alberston (Oakland, Calif.), Richard Albertson (Boston); daughter, Janet and her husband David Schlabach (Erie), two grandsons, Joel Schlabach (Norfolk, Va.) and Paul Schlabach (Chicago); two brothers, Carroll (Al) Albertson (Universal City, Texas), and Kenneth Albertson (Sharpsville, Pa.); and a sister, Grace Pruyn (Fla.).

Friends called at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, and attended a funeral service there.

21 May 2013