Obituary of James V. Albano

James V. Albano, 70, a lifelong resident of South Beach who worked in the financial services industry for nearly 30 years, including banking, book-keeping, accounting, and overall financial operations, died on Sunday, March 23, at Staten Island University Medical Center, after a long illness.

Mr. Albano was born on May 21, 1954 and attended both P.S. 29 and Holy Rosary School, and was a graduate of New Dorp High School. He attended the College of Staten Island, majoring in liberal arts, and also attended the American Institute of Banking in New York City.

He worked for Caleb Haley & Co, Manhattan, from 1991 until the early 2000s, as a full charge book-keeper, responsible for all areas of accounts payable and receivable; financial operations, including bank transfers, reconciliations, inventory reports, and customer service, as well as payroll.

He began his career in the financial services industry over 20 years earlier in 1972 when he started as a branch servicing clerk at Citibank in New York City for four years before becoming a senior loan serving clerk for the bank’s commercial lending unit from 1976 to 1980.

He later became the operations manager for Citibank’s commercial lending unit from 1980 to 1984 at which time he was promoted to assistant vice president, overseeing and directing all phases of daily operations involving the real estate financial services group, for  seven years from 1984 to 1991.

He was very family-oriented, always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends when they needed it. On Sundays, he enjoyed gathering for family dinners at his parent’s house in South Beach, enjoying everything from his mom’s famous sauce, meatballs, and bracciole, to Italian bread and pastries from Buono Bakery in Grasmere.

His family remembered him as “a very selfless individual — to not only me, but everyone in our family,” said his nephew John J. Albano. “I learned this when he got me my first job with him in a pizzeria and he would give me extra money if my days were slow or I didn’t make enough tips.”

“I always felt bad taking it because that made his tips diminish, but he insisted on helping me out just about every shift we worked together,” his nephew said. “He was also a great baker,” he added. “Myself and other family members loved his oreo cheesecake and begged him to make it for every occasion, which he never had a problem doing.”

In his spare time, Mr. Albano also enjoyed traveling, especially going on trips to Atlantic City with his mother, Anna, who predeceased him in 2003. He also enjoyed playing bingo, and as an avid dog lover, enjoyed taking care of his beloved dogs Rocky, Jake, and Zoey.

He is survived by his brother John Albano and his wife Donna; his uncle, Vincent Albano; several cousins, as well as his six nephews and nieces, Nicholas, Dana, Jessica, John, Michael, and Deanna, with whom he loved spending time.

His father, Gus Albano, and brother Gus Albano Jr., predeceased him in 2003 and 2020, respectively.

Following a cremation, the services will be Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook.