Joseph A. Alba of Highland Mills passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at St. Augustine Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine, Fla. He was 82 years old.
The son of Salvatore Alba and Angela Caravana Alba, Joseph was born on Nov. 6, 1938, in Brooklyn.
A lifelong lover of learning, Joe continued his education after graduating from Bishop Loughlin High School, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. John’s University. He subsequently earned his Masters of Business Administration with distinction at Pace University and his Ed.D from the Fordham University Graduate School of Education.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was currently serving as chaplain of American Legion Mulligan-Eden Post #1573 in Harriman.
Joseph worked for IBM in Pleasantville for more than 30 years. In his “retirement,” he held several positions including management at Public Service Electric & Gas, Editor-in-Chief of both The Airport Press and The Metropolitan Airport News, a position he held at the time of his passing.
He enjoyed coaching neighborhood youth, such as his years as a Pop Warner Football coach in North Rockland. Some of his happiest moments were spent attending his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events and spending time with his wife in St. Augustine.
Survivors include his wife Eileen Muehlberger Alba at home; sons: Daniel Alba and his wife Anita of Wall, New Jersey, and Andrew Milasko and his wife Loren of Chester; daughter Holly Martucci and her husband Richard of Monroe; brother Lou Alba (Faye) of Woodbury, Connecticut; sister Carol Dennehy of Mount Sinai; five grandchildren: Richard, Emily, Julianna, Christian and Isabella; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also a proud Godfather to William Malaquias and Teresa Santos.
He was predeceased by his Godson, Joseph Malaquias.
Visitation was held Aug. 20 at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 515 Route 32, Highland Mills.
A Funeral Mass was held Aug. 21, at St. Patrick’s Church in Highland Mills.
Interment followed at St. Anastasia Cemetery in Harriman.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Joseph Alba’s name to The Hudson Valley Honor Flight (https://hvhonorflight.com/donate/).
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, Highland Mills (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).