Sam and Mary Albanese Memorial
Samuel S. Albanese, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Summerlin, Las Vegas, on July 11, 2018, where he had resided for the past 28 years. Sam was recently preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend, Mary Anne Albanese, who quietly passed in home hospice care on February 2, 2018. Sam and Mary were the beloved parents of Tony Albanese, also resident of Summerlin, and Steve C. Albanese, of New York City.
Sam's unconditional love of family and friends, his innate kindness, and gentle manner were well known by all those who had the privilege of being part of his life. And those who knew Mary will remember her down home, warm demeanor, her quirky sense of humor, and her love of dance. Sam and Mary lived happily together for over 63 years. It is thus fitting that Sam would want to share his obituary with someone special, namely his wife. Shortly after Mary’s death, Sam often commented that it wouldn't be long before he joined her, and in his own words, suggested a "two for one" special mass. In Catholic tradition, a novena (a consecutive set of nine prayers) is being planned for Sam and Mary later this summer at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church. Neither wanted a fuss with a formal funeral.
Since Mary's passing, Sam missed her dearly. Anyone that knew our parents would recognize that their marriage was more than just husband and wife. They were best friends and shared a love of dancing to big band music and the songs of Frank Sinatra. Throughout her life, Mary sought out opportunities to tap dance, even performing on stage at her retirement luncheon. Prior to this, Mary was a public school teacher's aide for over two decades. Our mom and dad were truly the best parents anyone could ever hope for, and we are saddened by our loss, but happy they are both together again.
A short time into retirement, Sam was coaxed by Mary into an open cast call to be "extras" for the movie, Casino, that was being filmed nearby at the time. Sam was chosen for a role he never expected to get. He found time for a second career, or more accurately, a second career found him. For several years Sam continued to appear in small roles in dozens of television programs and movies with some of Hollywood's most recognized actors.
Sam's biggest role, however, came in 2004, fourteen years after retiring, when he became his son, Tony's, primary caregiver. Sam had to turn down a role that he was handpicked for to play on the television hit show, America's Most Wanted, when Tony barely survived a small plane crash in Fullerton, California. Critically injured with third degree burns over half of his body and paralyzed, Tony was hospitalized for 20 months and required over a dozen surgeries. It was, in fact, through Sam's dogged determination to make Tony well again that many people grew to know and admire him. Sam kept a constant bedside vigil, helping to ensure Tony received the best care possible.
A couple of years after Tony's adjustment to life outside of the hospital, Sam and Mary decided to relocate Tony from California to Nevada with the intention of being his full time caregivers. To help pay for Tony’s soaring medical bills and to add a third bedroom to their house so that Tony could have a room appropriate for his disability, Sam and Mary took out a series of loans on a reverse mortgage of their home. This addition to the house has also allowed Tony to feel comfortable and confident in calling his new residence home.
As many have asked if they can send flowers or donate to a charity in honor of Sam and Mary, the family requests something a little different.
Now that Sam and Mary are gone, Tony and Steve must assume responsibility for the reverse mortgage by either selling the house or coming up with funds to pay off the loan, to keep Tony in the house. Furthermore, with Sam gone, Tony needs a full-time live-in caregiver that Steve has offered to pay for to help his brother maintain his daily living needs. However, Tony is in jeopardy of losing the house he has established as home for the past 12 years. He faces this challenge with one of two options; either pay off the reverse mortgage and continue living in the house, or vacate the premises and search for a rental suitable for a disabled person. Tony obviously hopes to continue living in his parents’ house. Steve is thus pursuing every opportunity available to help his older brother secure the residence by starting a GoFundMe account.
Please consider a donation to this GoFundMe account to help with paying off Sam and Mary Albanese's reverse mortgage.
Tony was featured in a Shockwave episode on the History Channel that can be seen on YouTube (by clicking on the Shockwave link).
We thank you in advance for your generous donations, prayers, and expressions of love and concern for our family.
Tony and Steve Albanese
