Bernard Albers Jr.
Published 2:59 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2020
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Bernard Albers Jr., born May 10, 1942, passed away on Sept. 20, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. Bernard was best remembered as the Shriner who sat in front of stores with his stuffed white tiger and colorful umbrella collecting money for Shriner’s Hospitals. He enjoyed meeting people and playing his 50s music. He would often be heard singing Big Joe Turner’s “Shake, Rattle, and Roll.”
He joined the U.S. Navy when he was only 17 years old and served honorably during the Vietnam War. After his service in the military, he joined the New Orleans Police Department, where he worked in the Tactical Unit, the 5th and 2nd District and ultimately moved up the ranks to become Lieutenant. They nicknamed him “Big Red” for his size and his red hair. While he served at NOPD, he helped bring the Fraternal Order of the Police to the NOPD and continued as a member until his passing. Fighting for the men and women of the NOPD brought him great pride and he loved to tell stories of his time as a police officer.
After a few years at NOPD, his partner introduced him to the soon-to-be love of his life, Judy. He loved to tell the story of how she proposed to him, and that she was lucky he accepted. They built a beautiful life together that took them on many adventures, including having three children.
After retirement and moving to Bogalusa, he was devoted to being a Shriner and helping children receive transportation to the Shriner’s Hospitals for treatment. His service to others continued until he was no longer physically able. He was a member of Shriners International Jerusalem Temple and was a member of both Andrew Jackson Lodge #428 F&AM and Center Lodge #244 F&AM.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Judy (Pitre) Albers of Bogalusa; his son, Stephen (Gwen) Albers of Slidell; his daughter Stacey (James) Cockrell of Holt, Fla.; and his son, Sean Albers of Bogalusa; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Mary (Cliff) Lapointe and Shirley Bergeron.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home and Crematory. He requested only a private service for immediate family.
Condolences may be shared on the Poole-Ritchie website at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shriner’s Hospital.