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WHEREAS, Albert Burnelis will be honored by friends and relatives on August 22, 2020 in celebration of his 100th birthday on May 21, 2020; and,
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WHEREAS, Albert Burnelis served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaigns during WWII, specifically in the Battles of Okinawa and China. Prior to serving in the Pacific Campaign, he also served on White House duty under President Roosevelt and often tells stories about the President's dog named Fala, and of Shangri-La, or as we know it today, Camp David; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Burnelis' love for flying continued as he served for 20 years with the Civil Air Patrol at the Allegheny County Airport, in Pittsburgh, PA as a flight observer and instructor retiring as a Major August 3, 2004; and,
WHEREAS, Albert also continued to work at his business at 1602 E Carson Street as a clock and master watchmaker for 44 years. He served as a Committeeman at St Casimir's Church on 22nd & Sarah Streets, where he was a member of the choir; and,
WHEREAS, Albert married the love of his life Anjela on August 11, 1944, and, after the war, the married couple moved into the home where Anjela lived since she was 16 years old on Sidney Street in the South Side of Pittsburgh. Together, they raised 6 children; Albert Jr., Linda, Jerry, Pattie, Joyce, and Alan. They remained happily married for 42 years until Anjela went home to be with Jesus October 7, 1986; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Burnelis still lives in the same home on Sidney Street in Pittsburgh, which has been in the family for 82 years. He plays the organ, harmonica, and guitar on which he often played and sang the hokey pokey for his children who would dance around the house; and,
WHEREAS, Albert Burnelis is a proud American who loves his country, and would still do whatever was needed from him for his country. He is also a proud and loving grandfather to his 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who will be coming from Hawaii, North Carolina, O...
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