Albie was on our swim team at Jefferson pool. Despite the 10 year age difference Albie always had time to play and joke with the younger kids. He taught me how to do a gainer and and 1 1/2 w a full twist. Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at that pool.

Alby and I were friends in high school, come to think of it, Alby was friends with everybody in high school, but we became closer friends while we were both attending PITT. Occasionally, if Alby stayed down at school late and had to be back early in the morning for class, he would crash on my dorm room floor. I kept an extra pillow and a blanket for him. I remember the day that I was talking with Alby and he told me that he was going to leave college because he wanted to become a police officer. As I thought about it, I realized that Alby's decision made great sense for him. He had a huge desire to help people.

After graduating from PITT with a Mining Engineering degree, I moved to Southern Illinois to start my career and I lived in Mt. Vernon, IL. I recall one evening getting a phone call from fellow TJ Class of 1974 alum Mitch Haddad, and he told me of the tragic death of Alby. I was stunned! Some of you may recall that Mitch Haddad was battling cancer as he graduated from WVU, also with a Mining Engineering degree. Mitch was in remission for nearly a year. I drove back to Pittsburgh to attend Alby's funeral and I brought Mitch with me. Less than two months later, on November 9, 1979, Mitch passed away. Two great young men passed away way too young, and I lost two dear friends in less than two months. I still love you Brothers!

I believe it was Memorial Day weekend in May of 1980 when the statue of Alby and the young boys was dedicated down on E. Bruceton in Pleasant Hills. I attended that ceremony and I got to meet the lady that received Alby's eyes that day. Recalling that memory brings tears to my eyes today! It did not surprise me that Alby was an organ donor. Alby was always caring about and giving to others.

My favorite memory of Alby has to be his infectious smile that he shared with everyone around him. You had to feel better just being around Alby. Best wishes to all his family, and to all those other friends that have fond memories, we salute you Alby! I look forward to seeing you one day soon! God Bless us...everyone.

My fondest memories of Alby was Tuesday night volleyball at Pleasant Hills Middle School.

When I heard about Alby passing I was working as a juvenile probation officer in Columbus, Ohio. My mother called me with the news - which was a first, and last time. I think all the Hinsmans knew who all the Breisingers are - we each had 9 siblings - but we only hung out at Jefferson Swim Club in the summers and some were on the swim team together. The news about Alby was devastating - and 1 of the few times I heard my mother cry. I couldn’t believe it until I saw a news clipping she mailed to me (way before the Internet). I know the Pearly Gated were opened wide for Alby and he is smiling on us now.

I most vividly remember sitting with Alby at Jefferson Hospital while he was on life support. His body looked strong and healthy. I asked the normal question, “Why, God?” Trying to make sense of it all, I opened my Bible and came to James 1:17. “Every worthwhile gift, every genuine benefit comes from above, descending from the father of the heavenly luminaries”. From this passage it hit me that God did not cause this bad thing to happen to Alby. He only wants good for us. And I realized that God could make good come from this bad situation. (Rom. 8:28). Even though Alby sadly died, I saw the good that came from his death. For one, His life insurance money helped support our parents in their later years. Then our family heard story after story, some shared here, how Alby had done special kindnesses for others. These stories inspired us and others. Would we have traded all the money and stories to have our brother back? Of course we would, but I saw God working through these events and knew He was with us.

Alby was much older than I, as I graduated from TJ in 1985.

However, I have vivid memories of his days when he worked at Foodland on Old Clairton Road. We used to play cops and robbers when I would come in with Mom to shop. I was in grade school at the time, and I thought it was neat that a high school student would interact with me.

Knowing what I know now, that was typical of Alby - always looking out for others and treating others with respect.

I remember when he laid down his life attempting to save others, and it was an event that impacted our community greatly.


I now occasionally teach at the Allegheny County Fire Academy (where the police academy is located as well), and I always stop to pay my respects at the police memorial they have there. Alby's name is emblazoned on that memorial.

It is good to see that his legacy has not been forgotten.

My biggest impression/memories is about all the teachers and how much they cared about the students!

Where was I when I learned of Alby's Accident? I was at the Chuck Pukansky's house watching the first Steeler's game of the season. In the background, the police scanner was on. We heard thin initial dispatch to the mine shaft at the corner of the cemetery. Next we heard the call numbers for "Officer Down" and an increased level of urgency. Shortly thereafter sirens from every fire station were blowing. At this point, I decided I should get home. Shortly after arriving home, our parent's received the call from Jefferson Hospital requesting their presence. After arriving at the hospital, our parents called us and asked us to get to the hospital immediately.

What is my favorite TJ Memory? As an adult, I should answer that my relationships with friends & teachers were my favorite. However, I will answer as a high school senior and my favorite memory is the Great TJ Motocross of 1980. At the close of the 1980 school year a couple of our classmates (not to be named here) entered the school at the main entrance on their dirt bikes. They then took a right and proceeded to make a lap around the entire first floor and exited via the auditorium doors and onto their getaway pickup. It was a tremendous display of skill and a fitting end to a strike filled school year.

My favorite memory of Alby? My favorite memories of my big brother were of him at Christmas and how excited he was to buy presents for his siblings, especially his sisters. He always had a job and saved for presents every year and took great joy giving these gifts.

The day before Albie went into that mine subsidence hole to try to rescue the boys, he came to visit me. I live an hour away. My birthday was coming up and he knew he wouldnt see me to give me a gift. He brought a beautiful plant and spent the day with me, my husband and my two kids. He held my 2 year old, Heather on his lap and told her spooky stories about walking in the woods on Waterman Rd. She fell asleep in his arms. Little did I know that this would be my last time seeing him as the vibrant 23 year old he was. The next day, he went down into that hole. Spending that last day with him is one of the greatest gifts anyone has ever given me. Hold your loved ones close. You never know when it’s the last time.