John J Alber, Jr.

John J. Alber, Jr. (Jack), 94, of Wyckoff. Born on Christmas Day, Jack was a gift to family and friends for his strength of character, kindness, and sense of humor.  

Jack gained a lifelong appreciation for hiking, camping, and swimming through the Boy Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout and earning Order of the Arrow honors and discovering an enduring love for High Point State Park and the outdoors. He swam competitively in high school and college and continued to swim regularly until last year. Born and raised in Jersey City, Jack earned his BS in Finance from St. Peter's University in Jersey City and worked on Wall Street before joining the US Air Force. Rising to the rank of Captain, Jack flew fighter bombers as part of Strategic Air Command’s advanced strike force during the Korean Conflict. 

After leaving the Air Force, Jack joined Pan American World Airlines as a pilot, eventually retiring from United Airlines as a Boeing 747 captain. Jack's life as an international commercial airline pilot allowed him many adventures throughout the world, from pre-revolutionary Iran to Moscow and Japan and hundreds of locations in between. He was featured in a May 1986 Wall Street Journal article on fuel efficiency while flying to Japan. But no matter how far he traveled, once he met and married the love of his life in 1957, his happiest days were at home with Pat and their children. Jack and Pat were devoted to each other and our fondest memories of them include their habit of holding hands, whether sitting on the sofa during cocktail hour, watching a movie or taking a walk. 

Instead of slowing down in retirement, Jack filled his time with more adventures with his family and friends and out in nature. He enjoyed summers at the lake, winters in Vero Beach, FL, socializing with friends, and traveling, visiting many locations around the world with Pat, their kids, and friends. He was a member of Activities Unlimited (AU), leading their hiking group for many years.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia, and son, Timothy, parents Margaret and John, and sister Mildred. He is survived by his loving family, including son John (Jack) and wife Paula, daughter Susan and partner Rich Caputo, daughter Christine, and son Michael Edney and wife Janet, as well as his devoted grandchildren Taylor Alber, James Spinella, Breanne Bauer and husband Matt, and Cooper and Colton Burns, as well as many extended family members, and treasured friends. 

Please join us for a funeral mass at St. Elizabeth's RC church in Wyckoff (https://saintelizabeths.org/) at 10 am on Saturday, June 3rd (burial is private). A repast will follow at Aldo's Restaurant in Wyckoff (https://aldosofwyckoff.com/). 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to any charity of your choice. 

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