ASHTABULA — Albert W. Reece passed away with his family by his side on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012.
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 1, 1919, to Albert and Mabel Goldsmith Reece. He grew up in northeastern Ohio, graduating from Bucyrus High School, Bucyrus, Ohio. He graduated from Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, Pa. in 1942, where he stood out as the league’s star basketball player. Albert served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Force. He married Lucille Caton and settled in Ashtabula, Ohio. There he shined as a community leader and sportsperson.
Albert worked for the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company as District Superintendent, retiring in 1981 after 36 years. He served his community, church, family, and friends (plus numerous sporting teams) with hard work, passion and loyalty. From serving on numerous executive boards, to singing in the church choir or being a supportive coach, he was always on the team.
Golf was his sport of pleasure, playing weekly up till 1 1/2 years ago. Winning the Ashtabula Country Club Men’s Championship, and garnering three hole-in-ones were his highpoints. In 1981, Al relocated to Seven Lakes, N.C., where he continued his love and support of family, friends, church, community and of course, golf.
He is survived by the love of his life, and wife, Alison Soet Mitchell; daughter, Diane Nikula (David) of Seaside, Ore.; son, David Reece (Carol) of Raleigh, N.C.; step-daughter, Mary Mitchell Efantis (John) of Kingsville, Ohio; step-sons, Tracy P. Mitchell Jr. of Ashtabula, Ohio and Craig W. Mitchell of Raleigh, N.C.; and grandchildren, Brandon Lohse (Sara), Kristin Lohse McGee (Don), Michelle Reece Ashford (Craig), J. Chadwick Efantis (Damon), Jared Mitchell Efantis (Missy) and Amanda Efantis Addair (Dustin). Al was blessed with five great-grandsons and five great-granddaughters.
Al was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck in 1964.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4th, at The Chapel in the Pines, in Sevens Lakes, N.C..
Donations may be made to The Chapel in the Pines, 2125 Seven Lakes South, West End, N.C. 27376 or charity of one’s choice. BOLES FUNERAL HOME of Seven Lakes is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.
