Date of death: 12/27/2014
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1970
Robert J. Alberta, 70, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife and family, at Good Samaritan Hospice, after a brief illness. Bob was born Feb. 27, 1944, and was raised in the Renton area. He was a graduate of St. Meinrad High School in St. Meinrad, Ind., and earned both his teaching degree in 1968 and his Master’s of Science in Biology in 1973 from the California University of Pennsylvania. There, he met his wife, Paula, and was president of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.Bob taught junior high school science in the Plum Borough School District for his entire 37 year career. Teaching was truly his passion, and he took great pride in his students’ successes until his retirement in 2005. In addition to teaching, Bob served the school district in many capacities and enjoyed coaching various sports programs. His greatest passion was coaching the junior high school football program.Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Paula (Gazy) Alberta. He and Paula were blessed with three sons, Edward (Tracy Wilson), Robert (Sharon Novakoski) and Christopher (Christie Sylier); as well as six grandchildren, Joseph, Anna, Ethan, Johnathan, Tyler and Abigail, whom he loved dearly. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Paul (Doree); and his six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Pearl Alberta; and his sister, Yvonne Marie Alberta.Bob was a dedicated family man who enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. Nothing was more important to him than spending time with his loved ones and they would often hear him say, “It don’t get no better than this!” A loyal friend of many, he always gave of himself without being asked and touched many lives. He will be deeply missed.