Tom was a graduate of Waynesburg H.S. and the University of Pittsburgh. He received his teaching degree from WVU and his Masters from Penn State.
Tom played football in both high school and college but is best known for his impressive wrestling career.
Tom won both WPIAL and PIAA titles in 1949 and repeated both in 1950.
At Pitt, Tom was EIWA Champion for two consecutive years. Tom won the NCAA National Championship at 167 pounds in 1957.
Tom served with the US Navy for 4 years on the USS Shenandoah. During this time, he won the AAU Championship and competed in the Pan American games. Tom was assistant wrestling coach at Trinity H.S. Tom was inducted into the Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 1984. In addition to teaching physical education at Trinity H.S., Tom owned and operated a dental lab. Tom became proficient in operating heavy equipment and built, owned, and operated Alberts Mobile Home Park.
Tom was the son of immigrants Sherwin and Penelope Elefterios Albert and embraced his Greek and Syrian Heritage.
Tom loved and cherished his wife Marianne Zupancic Albert and his children Thomas (Janet) Albert, Jill (James) Painter, Lisa (Matthew) Minter, and Jeff (Sharon) Albert and grandchildren David and Caleb Minter, Nathan, Emily, and Ethan Albert. Tom loved his kids and instilled in them his strong work ethic and strength.
Tom was preceded in death by his first wife Carolyn King Albert and his 9 brothers and sisters.
Tom fought his 4-year illness with the physical toughness and courage that he lived his life.