Joseph H. Albenda

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on June 2, 2007:

Joseph Albenda Born October 23, 1927 - Died September 27, 1985 To his family and friends, Joe Albenda was a legend, a leader who exhibited ebullient optimism, lasting friendships, abundant generosity and loving kindness. More than one associate has said, "He gave me a new lease on life." He left us too soon but will be remembered as a tower of strength. Joe died on 27 September 1985 after a brief illness. To the end, Eleanor, his loving wife, attempted everything to restore his health. A look at Joe's amazing life reflects that of an Horatio Alger character. It eloquently portrays the achievement of the American dream. Joe was born on 23 October 1927 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan to Calef and Calo Albenda, emigrees to the United States from Yugoslavia and Turkey. As one of seven children, he became head of the household at age 13 upon his father's death. He worked after school and at night to provide needed additional income for the family. Joe was a good athlete. In his youth he participated in a gymnast program organized at the University Settlement House, and became a member of a group known as the "Olympiads" which performed in gymnastics at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. It was the leader of this group, Charles Cook, who eventually would introduce Joe to his congressman in Joe's quest for an appointment to the US Military Academy. Upon graduation from Stuyvesant High School in New York City in June 1945, Joe served as an enlisted man in the Army for eighteen months. He was stationed at several posts including Battle Creek, Michigan. For a brief period he attended Brooklyn College, prior to entering the Academy in July 1947 from the 19th Congressional District in New York. Quick to make friends, intelligent and athletic, Joe immersed himself in a variety of activities, the gymnastics team, plebe lacrosse, the Duty Committee, Ski Club, Radio Club, Model Railroad Club, Sailing Club and the Spanish Club. As a member of the Jewish Chapel Choir, Joe stepped forward to become its leader in his first class year. Although it was 38 years ago, how clear is my recall today of Joe doing multiple giant swings on the high bar at USMA gymnastics events. During one of his extracurricular trips, he met Eleanor Marcus of Poughkeepsie, his bride to be. Joe and Ellie were married on June 1951, five days after graduation. Their first post was Fort Monmouth, New Jersey where Joe attended the Signal School. He later served in the Signal Group of the 8226th Army Unit in Korea, spending many of his off duty hours teaching English to Korean children. When regular Army officers were invited to retire after the Korean War, Joe left the service, and in 1954 joined Poughkeepsie Iron & Metal Co. Inc., a structural steel firm founded by George Marcus, Ellie's father. To George Marcus and his wife Ethel, Joe had become a son. Their relationship was uniquely bonded in love and respect. Joe earned a P.E. from New York University in 1965. It is also interesting to note that his brother and sisters all attended college. Brother David Albenda, a Yale Law School graduate, received a Fulbright scholarship for U.K. studies. Joe's leadership and ability brought him increasingly greater responsibility. He became the architect of the business's significant growth and expansion. With its reputation and esteem, Poughkeepsie Iron & Metal was awarded many prestigious structural steel jobs, including work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City for the erection of the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur. Joe held directorships on the board of Bankers Trust and on the board of Barclay Bank in New York City. He was active in a number of civic organizations and private clubs. In addition to playing squash, tennis and skiing, Joe learned to fly and variously piloted or co-piloted his own plane. He and Ellie travelled the world - and in a sense twice. The first trip would be Joe's visualized plan with every detail taken into account. And then came the actual trip with Joe having full knowledge of every aspect of all the itinerary. Although Joe physically left his family and friends, Ellie continuously feels his presence. With sons Peter and David and his mother, four sisters and brother surviving, the family has regrouped and renewed its strength. But there is no doubt, Joe, we miss you. Chuck Statuloff Friend and Classmate

admin