Albert A. Orsi of Mercerville

Avid runner Albert A. Orsi, 80, of Mercerville, crossed the finish line of a life well lived on October 21. He died like he lived, with dignity and grace.

Albert was born in New York City, the son of Albert and Ann (Tonti) Orsi. He was raised in Trenton and lived in the area for his entire life.

After retiring from the NJ Dept. of Transportation he became a fitness enthusiast and discovered a passion and talent for running. He enjoyed 5k races and often placed first in his age group resulting in a living room wall covered with race medals and certificates. If anyone wanted to find the best running shoe, protein powder or supplement there was no need to do a Google search — Albert had the answers. His doctors pointed to his impressive fitness level as the reason he was his able to defy the odds and continue to enjoy a high quality of life despite his diagnosis.

Albert will be greatly missed by his family, which includes his companion of 28 years Mary Ellen Cariello; her daughters and son-inlaw Denise and Michael Loffredo, Lynn Cariello and Dawn Cariello and grandchildren and great grandchildren. At a young age one grandchild mispronounced his name as “Albrat.” He loved that and the name stuck. He also leaves behind many friends including those he made at the RWJ-Hamilton Fitness Center where he worked out regularly.

Albert Orsi was a gentle, generous, kind man. He had a full life, was loved and in his own quiet way made a difference. It was a good run.

As he requested, funeral services were private.

Contributions can be made in Albert’s memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 248 East Chestnut Hill Road, Newark, Delaware 19713.

Services were coordinated by Gruerio Funeral Home, Trenton.