Some local residents have called it the North Catty playground. Others refer to it as the borough park. But as of last week at the North Catasauqua Borough Council meeting, the park will now be called the William J. Albert Memorial Park.

Mayor Bill Molchany Jr. made the suggestion that the park be named in memory of Albert at the Oct. 15 council meeting. His proposal met with unanimous and sincere agreement from council members.

Born in Catasauqua, the North Catasauqua resident died Sept. 24 at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and three daughters, Ann, Patricia and Susan.

Albert was a retired partner and corporate secretary of Rileighs Inc. of Allentown and was a former partner of Albert Bros. Florist of North Catasauqua.

In the Lehigh Valley, Albert was known for being involved as an officer and board member of many organizations and has been honored frequently for his community service over the years.

In North Catasauqua, he was a member of the Centennial Celebration Committee in 2007 which later became the North Catasauqua Betterment Committee. He was also actively involved over the years with the Catasauqua-North Catasauqua J4 Committee and was a member of the borough zoning hearing board.

While his accomplishments are too numerous to mention all of them, he has been well known as a member of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society and has served as its president since 2009. A promotor and cheerleader for the agricultural community's representation at The Great Allentown Fair, he could be found strolling through Ag Hall every year, sharing his enthusiasm for the fair and the local residents who exhibited their entries there.

At home in North Catasauqua, he was remembered as an active volunteer.

Councilman Bill Nothstein commented on Albert's dedication.

"The times I've been at borough events, he was always there, helping out, not looking for thanks or praise," he said.

His involvement with J4, centennial and betterment committees saw him spending many generous and productive hours at the park that will now bear his name.

Solicitor William McCarthy drafted a resolution giving the park its official new name and the council voted unanimously to pass the resolution last Tuesday.