ANTHONY FRANCIS ALBRIGHT, born at his home in Newark, NJ, to Frank and Martha Albright, was the youngest in the family, following his sisters Ellen, Mary, and Doris. A closeknit, loving family and a strong church community were the environment of his youth. The son of a fire chief, Tony sought a career in public service. To the delight of his father, he received an appointment to West Point.
Tony had both the discipline to successfully negotiate the rigors of a West Point education and an optimism and friendliness that endeared him to fellow D-l company members. He attained some of the highest marks in conduct. Roommate Ken Tobin remembers Tony as, “one of the most cheerful people I knew. His winning smile and desire to help were ever present.” Roommate Bruce Glen recalls that Tony truly enjoyed weekends at West Point with friends and classmates. Both roommates were impressed with Tony’s dedication to his Christian faith. Every day after “Reveille” Tony attended mass at Holy Trinity Chapel, no matter how busy his schedule.
Tony attended Basic Signal Officers Course in Ft. Monmouth, NJ. After paratrooper and Ranger training at Ft. Benning, Tony’s first assignment took him to Germany. Next, he attended the University of Arizona, and earned a master’s degree in systems e ngineering. Tony continued active in his faith, and met his wife, Noreen Pulliam, through the Catholic students’ group. They wed in 1961 and had four cherished daughters: Cynthia, Lisbeth, Kathleen, and Rebecca.
Tony and Noreen developed a teamwork that enabled them to manage the moves and responsibilities that came with each new assignment. In 1969, Tony returned to Germany with his family for his first command position, the 68th Signal Battalion. He served two tours in Vietnam and received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and a Republic of Vietnam Service Medal. As chief of automatic data processing systems for Civil Operations and Rural Development in Vietnam, Tony was proud of his role in establishing a data system for Vietnamese war widows and orphans.
Tony’s military career progressed with increasingly challenging assignments. From the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he attended the Army War College and then took command of the 11th Signal Brigade at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Tony’s next assignment was as the Project Manager for the Multi-Service Communications Systems at Ft. Monmouth. He earned the rank of brigadier general at 44 years of age.
Tony’s last assignments were as the Deputy Commanding General for NATO’s Integrated Communications System, followed by Commander of the Defense Electronics Supply Center in Dayton, OH, from which he retired in 1983. Tony truly enjoyed his final tours and met their diverse demands with grace. He was well regarded by those who worked with him during his 26-year career; remembered by one colleague as “possessing a reputation for brilliance and integrity that was well founded and conveying those characteristics without a trace of arrogance.”
Retirement brought the Albrights back east, where Tony began his civilian career in a Philadelphia-based technology firm spearheaded by longtime Army friend, LTG(Ret.) Hilsman. Tony was tireless at Interdigital, managing and consulting.
Tony fully embraced his retirement life. Living in Philadelphia gave him the opportunity to spend quality time with his sisters and extended family. Tony never missed an opportunity to attend a family event and he and Noreen were often the hosts of wonderful get togethers at their “Crum Creek Retreat.” Retirement also meant rekindling childhood friendships, among them Tony’s basketball buddy, Bob Kahn. As at West Point, weekends included bridge games with friends and basketball with whomever was willing to challenge Tony on his home court. He also developed a love of gardening and hiking and delighted to see his daughters establish their own careers and families. After raising four daughters, he found a special joy in his grandsons Nicholas and Christopher.
West Point always remained close to Tony’s heart and he became a frequent visitor in his retirement. Pilgrimages to Army football games became a family tradition and Tony and Noreen seldom missed a class reunion. Informal annual reunions were memorable occasions.
When he retired from Interdigital, he volunteered to manage a Catholic Charities food bank. Noreen and Tony often made time to share daily mass together, followed by their favorite hike and jogs at a local park. Tony never needed any credit for his accomplishments or his generosity. In keeping with his favorite prayer, “it is in giving that we receive,” Tony was happiest when he could be of service to his family, friends and country.
Tony passed away peacefully and quickly after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. To the end, he lived his life with integrity and dignity.
Throughout his life, Tony found balance in his work, family, and spiritual life. He is remembered by friends and family as possessing sincerity, generosity, intelligence, faithfulness, and joyfulness. He is deeply missed by his beloved wife, daughters, family, and friends. In Tony’s mementos he wrote down a quotation, “For when the One great scorer comes to write against your name, He marks not that you won or lost but how you played the game.” From those who knew and loved Tony, a resounding 'Game well played! ”
His family and roommates