Donald F. Albert, Jr.

Donald Francis Albert, Jr., 77, of Higganum, Connecticut passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2022. Born on December 4, 1944 in New Britain, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Donald F. and Marie M. (Sitz) Albert. He was a graduate of Goodwin Technical School, New Britain and Hartford Technical College and served in the Connecticut National Guard. Donald’s career spanned more than 50 years at Wesleyan University, retiring as manager of scientific facilities and instruments in the University’s chemistry department. He cherished every day working with colleagues, graduate and undergrad students, and considered each day an experience to learn something new. He had a practical brilliance and an amazing ability and passion to understand how things worked and was often called upon to find solutions to complex problems, much to the amazement of experts in the field. An avid inventor, Donald is named in 13 patents ranging from a snow removal device, “The PushOver,” and various enhancements to chemistry equipment, to developing the process to create a novel organic aerogel material from which an entire new industry was created. When not in Wesleyan’s lab, Donald could often be found downstairs in his basement workshop creating his signature hand-made, intricate wooden streetscapes and bird houses, tying fly fishing lures, or outside in his ornate gardens keeping up his beautiful landscapes which included koi ponds and Asian gardens. He enjoyed spending time with his family vacationing in Maine, Misquamicut Beach and Cape Cod. He was always on the look out to help a friend with anything asked of him, selflessly giving of his time and his ability to fix almost anything. He was an avid fisherman and loved his time with his friends, meeting to share a beer and conversation. Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Dorothy E. (Corona) Albert who devoted herself to his daily care during his illness; his sister Diane M. Albert, of West Hartford, CT and her spouse, Char Wilkins; his son Christopher R. Albert of East Greenwich, RI, and spouse Lisa Doucet-Albert and grandsons Christian and Jackson; and his son Jonathan W. Albert of Middlefield, CT and spouse Colleen (McGuiness) Albert and grandsons Joseph and Jonathan. Donald was devoted to his family, always passing along his wisdom and sharing his creativity and ability to find the good and beauty in everything. A man of science and of faith, he brought together an inventive, inquisitive spirit and an artistic, creative soul. Private services will be held. Biega Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.