Albert Marion

Albert was born in 1955, the second son of Albert Cecil and Elsie Berg Marion, the middle of three children. He was flanked by elder brother Peter, and his beloved sissy, Jeanne. He grew up roaming the back hills and lakes of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. In those hills he learned to love camping, fishing, hiking, and the outdoors. At a time in which children had the freedom to roam, Albert enjoyed years of discovering everything God has given us in nature.

Being the second generation to call Pompton Lakes his hometown, he attended the same schools as his mother: Lennox Elementary, Lakeside Middle School and Pompton Lakes High School. Identified early as an especially gifted child, Albert was placed into an accelerated math track in high school and began to dream of attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. As a junior he was elected by his peers to participate in the American Legion Boys State Legislator. Albert worked to earn his travel expenses by trapping and selling muskrat pelts, drying them in his mother’s basement,

much to her aggravation.

From a young age Albert was involved in Drum and Bugle Corps. A gifted bugler and natural musician, he marched with

the Lakeland Goldenaires, Oakland Monarchs, Wayne Monarchs and the Anaheim Kingsmen. He had the honor of participating in the first “all-boys” color guard, The Monarch Boys. His final year in drum corps he was recognized as “Kingsman of the Year.” The nomination to the Air Force Academy did come his senior year in high school, a great honor bestowed by one of his state senators. Unfortunately he failed to pass the requisite physical due to previously undiagnosed hypertension. Saddened but not daunted by this he enrolled at Rutgers University as an engineering student.

His career at Rutgers ended tragically when he was severely injured in a snowball fight on campus. It was during his recovery that he would begin a new dream: moving to California. This would serve several purposes: an affordable engineering education at Cal State Fullerton, marching with his beloved Anaheim Kingsmen and getting out of the snow. Something else was waiting for him in California, the girl with whom he would fall in love and share his life, Lisa. They met in a winter color guard of The Wiz. Albert played “Tinman” to Lisa’s “Dorothy.” He said he knew he would marry her from the very first moment he saw her. May 23rd marked 34 years since their wedding. Within a few years of their marriage he would complete his education, receiving his BS in Information and Computer Science from UCI. He marked this triumph by climbing Mt Whitney and beginning his business, ADVICE Computer Services. As a professional he proudly served in Kiwanis International and numerous networking and community service groups, always giving back and helping others realize their dreams.

Together Al and Lisa created a new family where honor, tradition, courtesy, and laughter were central. Being a father was the most important undertaking Albert ever embraced, and he did it very well. His children were his greatest joys and greatest gift to the world. His strong character would not only impact them, but many other children who knew him as “Coach Al.” He volunteered and devoted himself to numerous youth organizations including; FV AYSO, FVHS Pony Baseball, FV Girls Fastpitch Softball, Boy Scout Troop 311, FVHS Football, FVHS Choir, and the HBHS Academy for the Performing Arts.

Albert’s abiding faith in Christ was the foundation of his life. In unconditional love, he gave his time in service to his fellow man in any way he could. He wore many hats and was known by many titles; but first and foremost he was a friend. If you spent any time in his comfortable presence, you knew this. He was sentimental and generous, quick to laugh and share a story or teach a lesson. His time with us was far too short, yet we are all better for knowing his man. Al, thank you for all you gave. Rest in peace ‘til we meet again. Seems you’ve finally found your corner of the sky.

A poem written by Albert Theodore Marion:

~Summer Love~

Would we were all as a warm summer's eve,

how the young moss clings fast to the dew;

Unlike the fall and the turned autumn leaves,

sweet fragrance springs from old and new.

Young ones play out late,

like courting their first date,

the youth in us all bright shines through.

The life in the land is as leaves on the tree,

what we see and know do think so true;

The Creator has given us all things for free

to Him laud and honor are due.