Albert Armstrong

Albert Armstrong, 95, of Tilton, NH died at the New Hampshire Veterans Home on July 30, 2016 after a period of failing health. He was one of the few remaining WWII veterans. Albert was born in Bell, PA on May 4, 1921, the son of Joseph and Emily Armstrong.

Albert was raised in Indianapolis where he attended public school. He married his loving wife, Edith Berry, on November 17, 1939. Albert enlisted in the US Navy 1944 and served as a radioman aboard the USS Mount McKinley, deployed in the Pacific as the flagship for the Fifth Amphibious Group.

Prior to enlisting in the Navy, Albert had joined Markem Machine Company in Keene, NH in 1941 as an engraver. After discharge from the Navy in 1946, Albert re-joined Markem where he held several positions as he rose through the ranks to become the Corporate Purchasing Manager until retirement in 1984. Albert entered the ministry and was ordained in June 1980 in the First Spiritual Alliance Church of Gardner, MA. He served as pastor of that church for over 20 years. He continued his ministry until his health would no longer allow. In this capacity, Albert was an active member of the CareGiver’s Network of Belknap County.

Albert served as a volunteer for over 40 years in many youth activities. He was Commissioner of the Daniel Webster Boy Scout Council where he was awarded the distinguished Silver Beaver Award, given for developing and improving the lives of youth through service to the Council. He was an organizer of the Swanzey Little League and instructed in 4-H Woodworking.

Albert was particularly passionate about serving for over 50 years as “Santa Clause”, visiting children of all ages in the greater Keene area. He was lead in the play “Old Homestead” for 20 years and also served as a Deacon in the First Congregational Church in Swanzey. Albert was active as a volunteer fireman and served as Assistant Town Moderator. He was a member of VFW Post 799 and American Legion Post 84.

Albert was predeceased by his wife Edith, his sister Irene and his brother James. He is survived by his children, Patricia Posthuma and her husband Harold, Carol DeRocher and her husband Bob, and his son Russ and his wife Stephanie. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth and his wife Mary Alice. Albert had eight grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.

There will be no visiting hours. Interment will take place at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawan, NH on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 11:00 am. Chaplain William Paige from the NH Veterans Home will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NH Veterans Home resident activity fund, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276 or to the Caregivers Network, ServiceLink of Belknap County, 67 Water St., Laconia, NH 03246.