Murray Grieve Albertson, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at Harbor Chase on Dec. 20, 2015.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie; children Tom Albertson (Nancy) of Rockport, Maine, Bonnie Kelly (David) of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Lisa Kelley (Paul) of Houston, Texas; and eight grandchildren: David, Sarah, Jessica, Caroline, Shawn, Allan, Meghan and Katie.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Albertson was 90-years-old and married to his life soul mate Marjorie (Erickson) Albertson for 61 years.
Born in Oradell, N.J. on April 4, 1925 he was the son of the late John G. Albertson and Jess Richmond Albertson. Second to older brother Jack, he graduated from Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, N.J. He joined the Navy in 1943, trained as a radio technician for the submarine service and was sent to the Pacific before being returned the states for the Navy V12 program. After the war he graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in civil engineering.
He began his career in New York City where he met and married Marjorie and settled in Connecticut, in Rowayton and then in New Canaan where they raised three children. In 1961, he formed his one man engineering firm which was later to be known as Albertson, Sharp & Ewing in Norwalk, Conn., an engineering and architectural design firm. After his retirement in 1985 he designed and built new houses including his own. He said it was his greatest joy.
A man of many facets he had countless interests and truly loved life. He was ever optimistic and open to tackle new innovative ideas. He was always ready with a quick pun and a spin on the dance floor!
Albertson enjoyed sports and outdoor activities especially tennis which he played all his life. He also enjoyed skiing which included many family trips to Vermont and in later years was an enthusiastic golfer. He spent many memorable summers with family at his beloved home in Quonochontaug, R.I. with activities that included boating, clamming, fishing and growing raspberries. He and his wife shared their love of travel throughout the world.
He was a member of Central Assembly Church of Vero Beach and a former Trustee and Deacon of the Congregational Church of New Canaan, Conn. He was past president and member of the Rotary Club of Norwalk, Conn., for more than 40 years. Also he served as Board member of the Norwalk, Conn., YMCA and ABC House of New Canaan, Conn. He is Past President of Pivot Ministries of Bridgeport, Conn. He was a former member of the Country Club of New Canaan, Weekapug Golf Club, the Sea Oaks Beach and Tennis Club and volunteered at the Indian River Habitat for Humanity.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 at Strunk Funeral Home; 916 – 17th St; Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Indian River County; 4568 N US Highway 1; Vero, Beach, FL 32967 or Pivot Ministries; 485 Jane St; Bridgeport, CT 06608.
