Albert Pantalone

ALBERT PANTALONE

Albert Pantalone, age 93, passed away on February 4, 2025, peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a resident of Havertown, PA for 45 years. He and his wife came to this country from Abruzzo, Italy.

He is predeceased by his brothers Rocco, Ennio, and Alfredo and his sisters Antonietta, Lucia, and Iolanda.

Survived by his wife Emma “Maria” (nee Mammarella), and his children Lolita (Ken) Luczka, Litizia (James) Maloney, Sandra (Clinton) Moyer, Albert (Nicolette) and Peter (Marie), his grandchildren Elaine, Daniel, Christine, Clinton, Devon, Christian, Vincent, Victoria, Dominic, Claudia, Melanie, Elana and Ella, and his great grandchildren Coretta and Maya. He is also survived by his sisters Maria (of Italy), Iolanda (of Australia), and Pasqualina (of Italy).

Albert worked at Villanova in the Athletic Department for over 37 years. As a huge Wildcat fan, he enjoyed seeing all of their sports teams, particularly the basketball team. His Villanova family gave him the nickname “Big AL”. He enjoyed watching all of the Philadelphia teams on TV, surrounded by his family.

One of his favorite pastimes was gardening. Never one to waste money buying established plants for his garden, he would cultivate his own seeds each spring until they were ready to be transplanted to his garden (He also believed no store could do it as well as he could). His backyard garden would produce incredible yields that kept family and neighbors well fed for months!

Albert has an incredible story. As a 12-year old boy during WW-II, German soldiers occupied his hometown. Despite the danger, Albert’s father aided and hid several injured American paratroopers. Upon discovery of this, the German soldiers shot and killed Albert’s father and forced the remaining family out of their home. The family hid in nearby woods for several weeks simply trying to survive. After the devastation of the war, a teenage Albert and his brother Rocco traveled to South America to find work. They returned to Italy a few years later where Albert and Maria finally married. Soon after the wedding, they decided that the best opportunities awaited them in the U.S. With limited finances, Albert traveled to the U.S. on his own until he could save enough money to send for his wife and infant daughter Lolita.

After a few years, along came Litizia and Sandy. They finally saved enough to purchase their first home in Clifton Heights. Dad worked two and three jobs to make ends meet while mom worked as a seamstress at home, especially as the family grew to include Albert and Peter. His work ethic was something that continued throughout his life. He was always helping out his children with home improvement projects. Most friends had no idea how old he was, because he could keep up with people 20 years younger.

Albert’s greatest joy was his large Italian family. He and his wife Maria were married over 68 years. Sundays were spent around the kitchen table, eating the great Italian food prepared at home, and laughing with his children and grandchildren. He always said he was blessed in so many ways.

Albert’s greatest wish was to have our family traditions live on through his children and grandchildren.

The tributes from near and far through this difficult time have been amazing. The common theme from everyone who knew him was that he was uniquely special… a great man…a true gentleman. He was loved by everyone. Everyone who came into contact with him was treated to his wonderful smile and great disposition. He left an indelible mark on everyone he met. The world was brighter if you were lucky enough to have known him.

Relatives and Friends are invited to his Viewing on Friday evening, February 14, from 6-8pm at The Robert L. D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike. A second opportunity to pay respects will be on Saturday morning from 10-11am at St Denis Church, 2401 St Denis Lane, Havertown, PA. This will be followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 am. Entombment immediately following at SS. Peter & Paul Garden Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Albert’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 105 Wilson Avenue, Havertown, PA.

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.
He will forever be our treasure.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Albert Pantalone, please visit our Tribute Store.