ALBERT JOSEPH WATERS

ALBERT JOSEPH WATERS, age 20. Beloved son of Anne (nee Mills) and Dr. William DDS; devoted brother of David (Kim), Monica, and Grace Smith (Matthew); loving uncle of Isabella and Marcie; cherished grandson of Catherine and William Waters, and the late Kathleen and Joseph Mills; dear nephew and cousin of many.

If there was one word to describe Albert, it is “loved”. Albert was adopted into the Waters family roughly a year after he was born, and from the moment he came through those doors he was loved. Born with multiple handicaps, his mother, Anne, nursed him devotedly. Whether it was changing his g-tube, administering feeds, helping him with his first awkward steps and teaching him sign language, Albert was loved where he was, regardless of what some might see as limiting. Albert defied every prognosis. He quickly learned over 200 words in sign language, began walking, eating and drinking on his own, and thriving. Much to his family’s chagrin, his favorite foods quickly became Dinty Moore Beef Stew and McDonald’s chicken nuggets. In fact Albert had the quite singular skill of navigating his surroundings strictly based upon the nearest fast food franchise. This second sense alone could allow him to breeze through Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, while other folks stared confusedly for the nearest concierge desk. Albert was a life-long lover of all things Veggietales, boldly wearing his Larryboy costume several years in a row. He enjoyed Toy Story, music from Sesame Street, trains, boats, and was especially fond of sailing. He dreamed of seeing the whales one day on the ocean. His father, Bill, and his good friend Tony Wulk, were able to help fulfill part of that dream and Albert would sit peacefully and contendly while he sailed Chippewa Lake. Albert was incredibly thoughtful; from always remembering to bring his mother flowers every week, faithfully calling his siblings to see how their day was when he got home from school, picking out presents for his nieces, as well as writing letters to his friends. Albert rejoiced in simple things. He was meticulous about mowing the lawn; watching for the slightest suggestion that it might be growing rather “long”. He liked to vacuum and clean up the house, which was always a wonder, as he surpassed in neatness every other member of the household. Albert loved being read to by his sisters, Monica and Grace, and had a special set of books depending on who was designated reader that day. He especially loved cuddling (or “puddling” as he would say) with Monica while watching some of their favorite movies. His older brother David was especially well equipped to swap movie quotes back and forth; their affection for each other communicated through acting out their favorite scenes. Albert was loved. Everywhere he went. Whether it was K&K Portage to pick up his slice of bologna and a cookie, whether it was walks around the neighborhood to shouts of “Thumbs up, Al!”, to dinners at Pizza Fire where he was given his own free merchandise simply for being a loyal and cheerful customer; Albert was loved. He made people smile. He made people relax. He made people want to love, and to show it too. He was so incredibly loved that it is easy to sit back, and wonder…

...If we loved him so much, how much does our Father love us, to give him to us? Albert was loved. And in loving him, we couldn’t help but feel loved in return. And that is a good  feeling. He would want us to remember that. 

So raise a glass, eat a nugget, sing a song no matter how off key, and toast the love of God shared in a beautiful, simple, incredibly sweet Albert Bean. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Clement Catholic Parish, or the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, 1355 W. 70 St., Cleveland 44102.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 29, 2019 at St. Clement Catholic Parish, 2022 Lincoln Ave., Lakewood (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Avon.

The family will receive friends SATURDAY and SUNDAY 3-6 PM, with the Holy Rosary to conclude each evening at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.