Joseph Michael Albert

Joseph Michael Albert, lifelong resident of Joliet at age 74, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving wife and family by his side on April 14, 2026 at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet, IL. He was born the son of Joseph Albert and Dorothy Albert (née Adams) on June 6, 1951 in Joliet.

Joe was born in east Joliet and was a proud graduate of the Class of ’69 from Joliet Central High School. Joe spent the bulk of his career as a Machine Operator for IVEX Paper, and ultimately retired from Munch’s Supply Company in New Lenox, IL. He was a longstanding member of the United Paperworkers International Union AFL-CIO Local #1211 and was honored to have served as their Recording Secretary. Joe loved to bowl as a younger man, but his true passion was always racing. He was an Open-Wheel Racing enthusiast, car owner, mechanic, Vintage Midget Car Restorationist and Historian. Joe was well-known to have a playful sense of humor that endeared him to those he shared his life with. He had an incredible memory, sentimentality and was a nostalgic collector. He was as kind and giving, as he was competitive. He loved his family, and he thoroughly enjoyed the countless moments he shared with them and his many, many friends and fellow racing fans. While he now holds the checkered flag of a life well-lived, his loving family knows that they will find him rooting them on from Heaven until it’s time to finally wave them in from the final lap before they join each other again.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Dorothy; his father and mother-in-law Fred Daletski and Anne Daletski (née Falk); his sister-in-law Lucille Daletski; and his brothers-in-law Fred (Pat) and Dean Daletski.

Joe is survived by his dear wife of 56 years Jenine Albert (née Daletski); sons David (Meghan) and Jamie (the late Sarah) Albert; grandchildren Brynne and Van Albert; sisters JoAnne (Robert) Lenci and Jeanie (Dave Peters) Moats; and his brother-in-law Norman (Paulette) Daletski. Numerous extended family members, friends, and other loved ones also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that any donations offered in Joe’s honor be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care via 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or https://lightways.org/one-time-donation/.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Chapel Service to begin at 7:00 pm, at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Friday, April 24, 2026 at 9:00 am for Closing Prayers before we travel in procession to Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory St. Joliet, IL 60435 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 am. Immediately following Mass, we will process to Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446 for a Chapel Committal Service prior to Interment.