NATICK: Michael J. Albano, age 89, a decorated WWII veteran and longtime resident of Natick, died on Friday night, October 25, 2013, at the MetroWest Medical Center in Natick, after a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Margaret (Leslie) Albano for 59 years.
Born, raised and educated on Staten Island, NY, he was a son of the late James V. and Mary (Guidetti) Albano. Following high school, Mike enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was sent to flight school. He earned his wings and served the remainder of the war in the China Burma India Theatre as a P51 Mustang Pilot. A veteran of 50 missions and among his awards was the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Mike returned from the service and attended Champlain College and then completed his Bachelor of Science at McGill University in Montreal. He was employed with the Canadian Underwriters’ Association when he met and married Margaret on June 5, 1954. Mike started work with AIG as a fire safety inspector and moved his growing family to Natick in 1963. While with AIG, he wrote parameters for and implemented the company’s Medical Malpractice Division. He retired after 40 years with the company as an Assistant Vice President. Mike enjoyed spending time at his home and was always ready with a smile and a laugh for family and friends alike.
He never lost his love for the P51 Mustang and read with enthusiasm any new literature on the plane and its history.
Predeceased by his son Michael C. Albano in January of 2012, he is survived by Margaret; a son, Mark J. Albano and his fiancé Jean Hayes of Natick; three grandchildren, Haley Albano of Randolph, and Christopher and Olivia Albano of Natick; a brother, James “Archie” Albano of Staten Is; two sisters, Elvira “Vera” Albano and Jean Luzzo and her husband Michael, all of Staten Is; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Peter and Gustave Albano and Marie Vendetti.
His funeral will be held in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Wednesday, October 30th at 11:00a.m. Relatives and friends may visit with the family beginning at 9:30. Burial will be at Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick.
Donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.