Albert D'Andrea

Albert "Shorty" D'Andrea, 95 years old

Devoted Husband, Loving Father, Caring Neighbor, Loyal Friend, a Great Man

May 2, 1920 through September 8, 2015

Albert D'Andrea was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six sons of Italian immigrant parents Julio and Rose D'Andrea. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary (Amparano) D'Andrea, a lifelong resident of Fort Stockton; his next older brother, Harry D'Andrea of Berwyn, PA; his two daughters Sandra (Manuel Lujan) and Brenda (Howard Steck); five grandchildren: Marlena Pomelow, Bernadette Francis, Matthew Lujan, Michelle Weissenstein, and Daniel Steck; four great grandchildren: Vivian, Luke, Olivia, and Nerea; and many nieces and nephews including Manuela Tovar and Raymond Dominguez. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Paul, Alfred, Anthony, and Edward.

Shorty lived a full life. He was raised in Berwyn, PA, near Philadelphia, and was better known as Bert in his younger days. He graduated from high school and worked at a manufacturing plant making airplane parts. At 21 years-old he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (now called the US Air Force) and served his country for four years during WWII at Marfa Air Base, TX where he made many lifelong friends. After the war he chose to stay in Ft. Stockton, TX after meeting the love of his life, Mary. Albert's primary employer was the Santa Fe Railroad; he worked in the Mechanical Department for over 33 years. During the 1940's, 50's, and 60's he also worked part-time as a milk man, had a magazine route, owned two gas stations, and with Mary opened Ft. Stockton's first pizzaria in 1963. For over 40 years he helped his friend, Martin Shuster, at the Trading Post and Jiffy Stop grocery stores.

Shorty loved to talk, always had a smile on his face and enjoyed visiting with his "best friends" J.C. Coffman and Billy Hodges, other friends, relatives, neighbors, friends at the local gym and his favorite afternoon McDonald's coffee group that met daily as they chatted with each other and I-10 travelers. A true City Father and community servant, he was a leader and longtime member of the local Lions Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, and the American GI Forum. For the love of his city, Shorty volunteered for the Planning and Zoning board and served as a Ft. Stockton city councilman for several years. The Ft. Stockton Chamber of Commerce honored Albert by naming him the Outstanding Citizen of the Year for 1999. He has been an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the parish Men's Club, Parish Council, and started the after-mass gathering for parishioners with toast and coffee that still continues today.

Visitation will be Friday September 11th from 5 PM to 7 PM followed by the rosary at 7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 301 N. Main in Ft. Stockton, TX. The funeral mass will be held on Saturday September 12th at 10 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish - St. Agnes Church with graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite charity in his name. Thank you to all who loved and cared for Albert in his lifetime!

Visitation

Heritage Funeral Home
301 N. Main
Fort Stockton, TX  79735
Friday, September 11, 2015
5-7PM

Service

St. Agnes
Fort Stockton
Fort Stockton, TX  79735
Saturday, September 12, 2015
10AM

Cemetery

St. Joseph Cemetery
W. Pecos Street
Fort Stockton, TX  79735