Obituary of Arthur Albanese

Arthur Martin Albanese, 77, is once again holding the love of his life, Linda, with God in the beauty of Heaven. He passed away Sunday, March 30, 2014 from cancer. The unparalleled joy of "Grampa Art's" life was his family and friends. His home of 50 years is filled with photos of his family and especially of Linda after her passing 12 years ago. Arthur was born February 11, 1937 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Angela and Dominick Albanese, where he was raised with four brothers, Dominick "Vinnie", Raymond, Andrew and Michael. Growing up in New Jersey with five boys had its share of mischief and humor, all of which Arthur showed until his last days. Arthur left the east coast to attend the University of Idaho (as fate would have it his school failed to send transcripts so he was denied admission to Eastern schools). He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and earned his Architectural Degree at the University of Idaho where he also met his wife, Linda. They were married November 10, 1960 returning only once to New Jersey, where they had their oldest daughter Diana. Art and Linda made one move back to Idaho making it their home. There they had their second daughter Patty and son Tom. Architecture was in his blood as his father practiced architecture in New Jersey. Arthur's first job was with Axt Architects in West New York. Once in Boise, he worked for Cline Smull Hamill Shaw Associates (CSHSA) until 1976 when he joined Tom Zabala and Alan Giltzow to form ZGA Architects. To Tom and Alan, Art was a mentor and appropriately a godfather. Art loved his work specializing in Historic Preservation where he earned many awards. He began the firm's long-term relationships with many clients still served today. His fingerprints are all around our community including the East Tower of St. Luke's Hospital, Gladys Langroise Center, BSU Amphitheater and Student Union addition, numerous Idaho and Army National Guard projects, Elks Rehabilitation Hospital and more. Two of his proudest achievements were the design of the Caldwell YMCA and the renovation of St. Mary's church in Boise, Idaho with Father Tom Faucher. Arthur became profoundly involved in his new community, Boise, through his profession as well as his volunteer work. Together with Fred Norman and Velma Morrison, Art helped raise funds through theatre for the Morrison Center for Performing Arts. He did set design, lighting and even acting for numerous plays and musicals, involving his family in most of them so they could be together. His role in Fiddler on the Roof was even re-written so he could speak his lines instead of singing them ~ a blessing for the audience! As a connoisseur of history, Art championed the move of the "Bishop's House" to its current home near the Old Penitentiary. He served on the Bishop's House board for many years as well. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA was also a close friend of Art's. Starting with building committees, to the Board of Directors and finally to designing the Caldwell Family YMCA, Art has left his footprint and his positive energy with the Y's legacy. While his profession was a vital part of his identity, it didn't define him. Instead, his love of family, friends and community completed his circle of attention. Anyone who saw Art and Linda together knew that they only had eyes for each other. Until the day Linda passed away, she would say her heart went "pitter patter" every time she saw "Artie". And to her, Art was "Velcro". He adored her. Art was totally involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives; attending ballet performances, band concerts, choir concerts, designing sets for musicals, sporting events, and more. Everywhere Art went, he knew someone. His honesty, humility and humor endeared people to him and kept them close. If a story became too serious, Art would find a way to lighten hearts with laughter. His parents, Angela and Dominick; and his wife, Linda precede Arthur in death. He is survived by his four brothers: Dominick, Raymond, Andrew and Michael; his children: Diana (Rob) Wold, Patty (Mike) Fery, and Tom (Michelle) Albanese; his grandchildren: Patty Helen Wold, Andy Wold, John Michael Fery, Camille Fery, Dominick Fery, Jake Albanese and Lexi Albanese. His sister in law, Sally Jefferies, was a vital part of his life and shared with him a lifetime of laughter and joy. A very special thank you to Exceptional Caregivers staff and Tim Gallegos who loved and cared for Dad so beautifully and undeniably exceptional. A viewing will be held Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 4-6p.m. at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 West Bannock St, Boise. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, April 4, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2612 West State Street with graveside services to follow at Morris Hill Cemetery. In memory of Art, you may offer donations in his name to The Treasure Valley Family YMCA, 1150 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702. The sadness that we all feel now is a reflection of how much love he gave to us. We are comforted in knowing that Art and Linda are together again. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Art's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.