Howard Albert
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Howard Albert, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center from complications from Covid-19. Born in Springfield, June 10, 1926 to Rose (Solomon) and Michael Albert, he graduated from Technical High School and attended Northeastern University. He then went on to proudly serve our country in the Navy during World War II. He served on the USS Butte supporting the marines in the battle at Okinawa. He then served on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt on its inaugural voyage traveling to Rio de Janeiro where he had the honor of meeting the president of Brazil. Upon his return he met Marcia (Goldberg) while serving as a chaperone during her college ski trip and they married soon after. Howie spent his entire working career in the wholesale meat business, first at their family-owned Hampden Beef and later Spencer Foods in Springfield. Appreciating the importance of food availability from his work in the industry fostered his decades long-time commitment to Rachel's Table, where he volunteered to deliver foods to area food pantries and shelters. Howie was a man of few words but had many loves. His wife, his children and grandchildren were first on the list followed by his shop where he would spend hours on projects - fixing and creating things. He combined his creative talents and innovative focus and was rewarded with a patent for a process to efficiently trim meat and minimize waste. He was a collector of antique boxes and was self-taught in woodworking and pursued his creative interests in wood carving. First and foremost, he built and personalized 'Pop-stools' for his grandchildren. From there he went on to ensure that everyone had gold leaf carved address numbers for their homes - this gift expanding to friends and neighbors. Howie was predeceased by his two brothers, Irving and Moshe. He is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Marcia (Goldberg) Albert, and their three children Caryn and her husband Jim Gavin, Brad Albert and his wife Jane, and David Albert (Vinnie). He was Pops to seven grandchildren, Sara, Alissa (Dave), Michael (Margery), Daniel (Rachel), Erica (Mike), Brendan (Deb), and Kira (Ray) and three great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law Ellen Fieldstein and Ruth Albert, along with many nieces and nephews. The family appreciates the compassionate care Howie received at Baystate Medical Center. Ascher-Zimmerman will oversee the funeral service which will be private followed by a virtual memorial service hosted by Temple Beth El. Donations in Howie's memory can be made to Rachel's Table, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108 or to Baystate Health Foundation, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199.