Albert A. Aquila

YORK - Albert A. Aquila, 86, formerly of Iselin, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday evening, August 8, 2008. He was the beloved husband of Elda Mae (Hendrickson) Aquila, originally from Hubbard, Iowa, with whom he celebrated a 61st wedding anniversary on July 20th. Albert was born January 21, 1922, in Brooklyn, NY. He was the son of the late Anthony and Amelia (Nunziato) Aquila. He grew up in Iselin, New Jersey and was a graduate of Woodbridge High School in New Jersey. A veteran of World War II, he served as a Corporal with the Army Air Force in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Following the war he attended Drake University in Iowa and later completed his education at Rutgers University in New Jersey where he received his Bachelors Degree in Education and his Masters in Education Administration. He went on to become a school principal with the Woodbridge Township School District and retired in 1985 after 35 years in education, at which time he and his wife moved to York. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, the Rutgers University Alumni Association and "Old Guard", both the York County and Middlesex County Retired Teachers Associations, the Woodbridge Twp. Retired Educators Association, and the Shiloh American Legion Post. Albert was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed having his family near. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed the outdoors whether hunting, fishing, gardening or taking care of his yard. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit family and friends. In addition to his wife, he leaves his four children, Sandra Russo and husband, Anthony of Millington, NJ, Jean Gabsewics and husband, Edward of York, Robert Aquila of Hummelstown, PA and Catherine Gale and husband, Robert, of York; six grandchildren, Caroline, Mario, Brian, Joseph, Emily and David; a brother, Anthony Aquila, Jr. of Hunlock Creek, PA; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, John, Dominick and Warren Aquila. A viewing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, 1551 Kenneth Rd., York with a Rosary service at 8 p.m. Viewing will also be from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday with a service to celebrate Albert's life beginning at 10 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial with military rites by the York County Veterans Honor Guard will be in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Fr. Thomas R. Hoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 140 Roosevelt Ave., Suite 208, York, PA 17401 or to a favorite charity.