November 8, 1941 – February 11, 2019
Albert Askenazi passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2019 with his loving wife by his side. Albert lived the Impossible Dream. Born on November 8, 1941 in Durango, Mexico, and he was raised in Mexico City by a hardworking father and mother who instilled kindness in Albert. In 1965 at the age of 23 Albert visited New York, which led him to meet his sweetheart – Shirleen Marcus – the love of his life. They married 6 month later in her hometown of El Paso, and in 1966, they moved to Mexico City where Albert and Shirleen would create a loving family. In 1980 they settled back in El Paso to provide the best opportunities for their family. Albert and Shirleen were happily married for 53 years.
Albert made a good name for himself representing kindness, generosity and passion to connect with various people he encountered. He was a good provider for his family and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather to his wife, 4 sons, 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and his 4 daugthers-in-law which he loved. Albert was happiest when his family was happy. He was a member of Congregation B’nai Zion, and thanked the Almighty regularly for the many blessings he was granted. Over the course of his life Albert liked to volunteer to help others, including regularly visiting Wounded Warriors and dressing up as Santa to bring presents and smiles to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Mexico City.
Shirleen and Albert had many friends which they enjoyed being with on a regular basis. Together they developed a passion for travel and the arts, and began collecting artifacts from around the world of based on the literary work of Don Quixote which influenced Albert since he first reading of it in grade school. With over 1,500 Don Quixote pieces of art, books, and specialty items from around the world, Albert enjoyed lending the collection to museums and libraries to promote literacy and the arts. Albert became a world renown expert in Don Quixote and Cervantes and taught literary classes to grade school students, veterans, and UTEP.
Known for his bright smile, funny jokes, generosity and peaceful demeanor, Albert will be missed by all who knew him.
The family thanks Dr. P. Valilis, caregivers Lupe Limas, Griselda Quesada, and Nieves Madrid, as well as everyone at Texas Oncology and CIMA Hospice.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Sarina Askenazi, and sisters Raquel, Alicia, and Estrella. He is survived by his brother Jose and sisters Niza, Ruty, Silvia, Yolis, Olga; loving wife: Shirleen; children: Simon/Barbara, Morris/Barbara, David/Donna, Danny/Michele; grandchildren: Shirleen/David, Rachel, Debbie, Abraham, Buddy, Eleanor, Martin, Sareena, Toby, Jordan, Avi, Ty; and great-grandson: Moises Amin. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers – Grandsons Abraham, Buddy, Martin. Hal Marcus, Meyer Marcus, Clement Marcus, and Bill Slovick. Honoraree Pallbearers – Jose S. Askenazi, Bob Reneau, Marcel Bourgon, Bob Koval, David Cervantes, Frank Evans, Faustino Pino, Hisham Hasham.
Services: Wednesday, February 13th at 10:00am at Congregation B’nai Zion located at 805 Cherry Hill Lane followed by graveside ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Albert’s name to Congregation B’nai Zion.
