Joseph Michael Albano

Joseph Michael Albano

April 3, 1935 – August 24, 2026

With heavy heart, we share the passing of Joseph Michael Albano, age 91, on August 24, 2026.  He passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death, by his loving wife of 66 years, Elizabeth Noel Albano and parents Michael and Mary Hudson Albano.

Joe was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from North Catholic High School. After school, Joe began roofing with his father, Michael Albano, a proud member of Roofer’s Union Local 30. On July 7, 1958, after a four year apprenticeship, Joe received his “ticket” and became a card carrying member in Local 30. He retired after 36 years and 50,039 hours of roofing, on January 1, 1994. Joe looked forward to seeing his Union brothers, every year, at Local 30’s Annual Retiree Christmas luncheon. Forty two years ago, his son, Joe Jr. and more recently his grandson, Joe III followed in his footsteps and joined the Local 30 Brotherhood, making our family four generations of Local 30 Roofers.

Joe’s attention to details and organizational skills were uncanny. Everything, right down to jars of screws, were labeled and lined up by size. He recycled before it was fashionable. If he couldn’t fix it, which was rare, he repurposed whatever it was. His favorite tool was black duct tape which he even used to organize the various wires and cords in his physical therapy center.

Joe was a passionate craftsman who could be found in his basement or garage working on projects for his family and friends. He had many talents. He played guitar, held a black belt in Karate and was a pretty good artist and woodworker. He started every morning completing the Philadelphia Inquirer’s daily crossword puzzle and cryptogram. He often greeted the paper deliveryman at 5AM anxious to start the puzzles and his day! Joe was an animal lover and supported the ASPCA as well as the local Pennsylvania SPCA, on Erie Avenue. He loved his rescued canine companions, Barron and later Shadow. Ever the handyman, he built a two tier Koi pond in his yard. He was extremely successful in raising beautiful Koi, some of which are 20+ years old. In recent years, he befriended three local squirrels who looked forward to a peanut breakfast every morning.

Joe was a kind and gentle man, with a heart of gold. He was well respected and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him. His spirit will live on in our hearts forever. May he Rest in Peace and may our family fine strength and solace in our memories and the love that we share.

Joe leaves behind his wonderful brother Michael Albano and sister Linda Albano and devoted lifelong friends, Lou and Sharon Assmann. Joe’s Legacy is the beautiful and loving family he left behind. He is the beloved father of Joann Spear (Robert), Roseann Haefele (Martin) and Joseph Albano Jr. (Francine); the proud grandfather of Raquel Albano, Daniel Spear(Celeste), Robert Spear III, Lynn Haefele (Walter), Andrew Haefele, Amy Haefele (Tony), Martin Haefele III (Devon), Jacob Haefele (Sarah), Joseph Haefele (Kelly), Joseph III (Nikki) and Great Grandfather to Cale Albano, Owen Paisley and Claire Schroeder.

A Celebration of a Life well lived will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at St. John Cantius (Chapel), 4410 E. Thompson St. Phila. Pa 19137. Visitation is 10AM to 11 AM, the Funeral Mass is at 11AM. Burial will be private at a later date. Donations may be made, in his memory, to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or the Pennsylvania SPCA, 3050 Erie Ave, Philadelphia Pa. 19134.