Burton Albert Obituary

#Middlebury #Obituary

The family of Burton Albert of Middlebury is heartbroken to announce his death on May 31 at the age of 86.

Burt was born in Waterbury, Conn., Sept. 5, 1932, to Hilda (Kurtin) Albert and Sidney J. Albert.

Burt attended Kingsbury Elementary School and Cheshire Academy. In 1954, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College. As an undergraduate, Burt was in the ROTC program. Upon graduation, he served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force for two years. Burt valued his military experience, not only because of the importance of service to his country, but also because he met the love of his life, Sylvia Meisel, on the beach in Westhampton, N.Y. He will be eternally grateful to his brother-in-law for introducing them.

After enrolling in a graduate program in American history at Brown University, Burt changed course and left academia for the scrap metal recycling business. He followed in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps to become the third generation of Alberts to lead Albert Bros., Inc. Under his leadership, the company grew substantially and diversified on a national and international level. Burt was valued for his integrity, generosity, honesty, commitment and reliability among his employees, customers and suppliers. One of the greatest privileges of his career was working with his sons, Eric and Jonathan, and one of his grandsons, Jake.

One of Burt’s fundamental principles was giving back to his community, and he devoted a significant amount of his time and resources to philanthropic and community service. Burt served on numerous boards and committees, including St. Mary’s Hospital, The Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, The Harold Leever Cancer Center, and the Connecticut Community Foundation. He was active within the United Way of Greater Waterbury and B’nai Israel Synagogue. He was also very involved in the scrap industry trade associations, including the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries, where he served on the National Board.

Burt was passionate about Israel, his friendships, reading, music and keeping abreast of current events. He loved jokes and puns even though he routinely forgot the punch lines. He was a lifelong learner, always thirsty for knowledge and ardent in his beliefs. He was filled with gratitude and loved interactions with all people. Burt lived a life of consequence without regrets.

Most importantly, Burt was an exceptional husband and father and grandfather. Spending time with his family was his number one priority. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the light of his life, Sylvia (Meisel) Albert; his children, Eric Albert, Jonathan Albert and Debbie Rosmarin; his daughters-in-law, Jan Albert and Rachel Albert; his son-in-law, David Rosmarin; and his grandchildren, Lindsay Blumberg and her husband Jared, Jamie Albert and her fiancé Steven Berkowitz, Sarah, Jake and Sami Albert and Remi, Eli and Ben Rosmarin. He also is survived by his brother, Larry Albert; his sister-in-law, Barbara Fox; and many cherished family members and friends.

Burt’s funeral will be held Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. at B’nai Israel Synagogue at 444 Main St. N. in Southbury. Shiva will be observed June 2 at 7:30 p.m. and June 3 at 7 p.m. at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Southbury. Donations in his memory may be made to The Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, B’nai Israel in Southbury, Waterbury Police Activity League or The United Way of Greater Waterbury.

Burt’s family is grateful to all of his physicians in Waterbury and Philadelphia for their expert care. Towards the end of his life, Burt received loving care from an extraordinary group of caregivers. His family would like to thank Beth, Danilda, Darci, Jean, Jeanne, Kim, Mary, Morgan and Terry for treating Burt like a member of their own families.

There are no words to express how greatly Burt will be missed by his family and friends who have loved and cherished him throughout his life.

Munson Lovetere Funeral Home assisted Burt’s family with the arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.