Philip G. Albanese

Philip G. Albanese passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2017.

He was born Dec. 31, 1942, in New York, the son of Dominick and Lucy Albanese.

When he was 8 years old, the family moved to Patchogue, Long Island, where he graduated high school.

He was proud to participate in track and lead as co-captain of his football team. He attended Oklahoma State University and obtained his master’s degree in teaching from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He later returned to Patchogue High School to teach political science.

In 1972, he moved to Newport Beach, California, where he began his career in real estate. It was then that he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Fritzell, in 1977.

In 1983, Phil and Nancy moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, where he was the first broker of Evergreen Realty. He participated in many business ventures in town including the Floating Restaurant in Hope and the St. Bernard at Schweitzer.

In 1985, they were blessed with their daughter, Dana. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Anacortes, Washington, where Phil continued his work in commercial real estate. They returned to Sandpoint in 2005.

He will best be remembered as someone who was willing to give you the shirt off his back along with Italian advice and a smile. He genuinely enjoyed every aspect of life whether it was drinks with friends or playing with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Brandon Bowen, daughter Dena Mersten and grandsons Ethan and Parker.

He is also survived by his sister, Beatrice Albanese, and her sons Jeff D’Amato, Rick D’Amato and Dan Diaz, as well as many extended relatives and caring friends.

A service is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church of Sandpoint, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations may be made to the “Make It” program of the East Bonner County Library, where Phil and Ethan spent many hours together, or to Kinderhaven in Sandpoint.

The family would like to send a special “thank you” to Hospice and the caregivers who helped with Phil’s care as well as the many friends and family who have lent unmeasurable support during this time.

Family and friends are invited to sign Philip’s online guestbook at coffeltfuneral.com.

Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint will be handling the arrangements.