LINCOLNVILLE — Michael “Mike” John Albano, a.k.a. “Rusty” was born on Wednesday ,June 24, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Michael V Albano and Dorothy P. Albano, and younger brother to Patricia M Albano.

The family eventually relocated to South Plainfield, New Jersey. Mike graduated from North Plainfield high school in 1971.

He married Kerry Jean Brown on October 25, 1975, at The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey. The first few years of marriage, they resided in Avenel before moving to Westfield, and finally settling in Lincolnville, Maine.

He often reminisced of fond memories with his sister and cousins growing up in Brooklyn. Sunday gatherings for dinner at Memaw’s house was a frequent occurrence, where the kids could play and make memories. Vacations and summers were spent in Milford, Pennsylvania, with memories of bike riding in the alleyways. He learned to play the coronet as a child, eventually passing the instrument on to his daughter, Jennifer.

As a teenager, he spent many hours at his uncle’s garage, learning basic auto mechanics and gaining a firm appreciation for American made cars. At age 15, he started as a part time grocery bagger at Shop Rite and worked his way up throughout the years, eventually becoming a department manager. Mike worked for Shop Rite for 30 years, retiring in 2000. After retirement, Mike and Kerry relocated permanently to their home in Lincolnville, Maine. He returned to the grocery industry and worked for Hannaford Foods until retiring in 2024.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mike became a strong golfer and enjoyed the game throughout life. Even when he could not make it out to the course, he never lost his high talent for the game, often proclaiming his preference for walking the course and traditional “woods” over titanium. During gaps between golfing opportunities, miniature golf kept him in practice, which he turned into a family activity.

Through the typical challenges of life, Mike remained strong and determined. His love and devotion to his wife was unwavering and their love remained strong throughout their marriage.

They enjoyed old fashioned road trips up and down the east coast, particularly around the mid-coast Maine area, often enjoying picnics together at Lincolnville beach. Mike thoroughly enjoyed home improvement projects, which he and Kerry collaborated on. They also enjoyed working the craft show circuit in the Camden area, selling Kerry’s wares and making friends.

After his wife’s cancer diagnosis, he was there for her every step of the way, seeing she was as comfortable and happy until the very end. His putting the needs of his family before his own was commonplace.

Mike was a deeply devoted and loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. Despite the long distance between family, his role as a grandfather came very naturally. His face lit up every time he saw videos of his grandchildren or when they would wave to Pop Pops on our weekly video chats. Visits were always so heartwarming as the softer side of a quiet man shined through. All the pets felt compelled to crawl in his lap or drink his coffee (or eat his wristwatch), and he did not mind a bit. There was never any hesitation to help his children with projects around the house or to let them use his cherished Goya pen. He would always say, “Make a list.” In return, they would tell him to make a list for when they visited. When distance did not allow teamwork, there was never any hesitation to call and ask for help. From anything on their end regarding vehicles or home repair, and anything on his end regarding computers and technology.

Those who knew Mike will remember him for the love of his family, his compassion for all animals and his dedication to his job. Those who were closest to Mike will remember the laughter while watching classic movies such as Airplane!, The Naked Gun, or Hot Shots, or listening to family stories, as funny now as when first told. His quick wit and muttered commentary only those sitting closest to him could hear will not be forgotten. His love, his smile and his hugs, Mike preserved his deepest self and shared that with those who meant the most to him.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Melissa); grandchildren Jacob and Juniper; and his son, Michael (Katherine); and his constant companion, Tugs “Wuggie” the cat.

A memorial gathering will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, from 1 - 3 p.m., at Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden, followed by interment at the Mountain View Cemetery in Camden.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.