Robert J. Albanese

Mr. Robert J. Albanese, of Waltham, died Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Newton-Wellesley Hospital after suffering a long illness. He was 68 years old.

Bob was born in Watertown on May 24, 1955, the son of the late John and Carol (Malatesta) Albanese. Raised in Watertown, he had been a Belmont resident before making Waltham his home in 2000. Bob worked as a Property Manager for Hamilton Company and later was the manager of Gordon’s Liquors on Moody Street in Waltham for several years until his retirement.

He loved the outdoors; golfing, fishing, and playing softball were among some of his favorite pastimes. Known for his athleticism, especially in his youth, Bob enjoyed all sports and loved being involved in his bowling league. He was a loyal Boston sports fan and especially loved Fenway Park. Bob loved to cook and barbeque, vacation cruises with his wife and enjoyed the summer pool parties with his Watertown friends.   Bob was very skilled and clever, especially when it came to making or fixing things at his Waltham and Cape Cod homes.  He absolutely loved playing with his dogs.

In 1992, he was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Award for his heroism when he was driving on interstate 95 and spotted a woman slumped over at the wheel in a neighboring vehicle with her foot pinned to the gas. Bob saw her 9-year-old son trying to handle the steering wheel and he leapt into action without hesitation. Without regard for his own safety, Bob placed his car between the out-of-control vehicle and the guardrail in a controlled collision bringing it to a stop. The woman and her son survived without sustaining any serious injuries. Despite saving the lives of two strangers, Bob never looked for praise.

He was also the founder of the Little Angels Foundation, a charity organization with a mission to help children and families in need, especially around the holidays.  He was an all-around wonderful person always looking to help those in need.  

In addition to his beloved wife of 35 years, Ellen Jane (McDonald) Albanese of Waltham, he leaves his brother and sister, Richard Albanese of Stoneham and Pamela Roach of Ipswich; his step-mother, Joanne Albanese of Methuen; his step-brother, Noel Martin of Arizona and his step-sister, Cheryl Murdach of Methuen; his godson, Dylan McClay along with his nephew and many aunts and uncles and their families.  Bob had a special bond with his uncles, John and Charlie Malatesta.

Family and friends will honor and remember Bob's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, February 25th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again Monday morning at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.