George Albert, age 62, of New Castle, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday (12-20-11).

A lifelong area resident, he was born on October 8, 1949 in New Castle and was a graduate of New Castle High School. He was employed as an inspector at New Castle's former Rockwell International.

A decorated veteran he served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on December 26, 1973 with the National Defense Service Medal.

George was a former member at First Assembly of God, and a current member of Highland Presbyterian Church. His family was most important to him and he found his greatest joy while spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived at home by his wife, Cheryl Albert whom he married on May 30, 1987, his step daughter, Tara Bender and her husband Jon of New Castle, his step son Edward Conti of Canton, MI; and his three grandchildren, KaraLisa, Jordan, and Alex Bender and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Surgenovic, and his mother in law Violet Heiser.

A funeral service will be today at 1:00 p.m. in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 111 W. Falls St. with Rev. Kenneth Meyer , officiating.

Interment will be in Castle View Memorial Gardens with full military honors being rendered by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the Lawrence County Humane Society P.O. Box 62 Pearson Mill Road New Castle PA 16103 or Wounded Warrior Project 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway Suite 100. Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Friends may offer condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.