Albert B. Shala, 88, of Schnecksville, died Sept. 13, 2026, at Cedar Crest Post Acute Care, Allentown.

He was the devoted husband of the late Nancy Ann (Grimes) Shala.

Born in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, on Sept. 1, 1938, he was the son of the late Michael and Amelia G. “Mildred” (Zelinsky) Shala.

At just 17 years of age, he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 18, 1956.

He referred to his naval service as the Navy’s “Kiddie Cruise,” the nickname given to young sailors who enlisted under the Navy’s early enlistment program.

He served his country faithfully and honorably until his discharge on Aug. 21, 1959.

He concluded a successful career at the Victaulic corporate headquarters in Easton, where he worked for more than 20 years.

As purchasing manager, he took pride in ensuring the materials needed to keep operations running were always available while maintaining careful control of costs.

Dedicated to his profession and committed to excellence, he earned the Certified Purchasing Manager designation during his career, reflecting the expertise, integrity, and leadership he brought to his work.

He retired in 2001 after more than two decades of dedicated service.

A devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Orefield, his faith remained a steady foundation throughout his life.

He began serving the church as an altar boy in his youth, and his family cannot remember a time when he missed Mass.

Though not outspoken about his faith, he demonstrated it through the way he lived and the values he embraced.

Beyond his career, he embraced life through a variety of interests and hobbies.

He was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and gardening.

He had an appreciation for the outdoors and took great pride in growing things with his own hands.

He found great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor.

For many years he maintained a large vegetable garden and fruit orchard that produced an abundance of tree-ripened fruit and fresh garden vegetables, providing a bounty that family and friends enjoyed each season.

More importantly, he led by example.

Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, he instilled in his sons a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that continue to guide them throughout their lives.

The values he passed on, both by word and by example, remain one of his greatest and most enduring legacies.

His strength and determination remained evident until the very end.

Just 30 days before his passing, he was living independently in his own home and had proudly renewed his driver’s license only weeks earlier, in July.

Although his final weeks presented unexpected challenges, his family takes comfort in a life well lived and is grateful that the Lord, in His mercy, called Albert home, where he may now rest in peace.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Stephen A. Shala (Lynne) of Port Matilda and Christopher R. Shala (Lauren) of Stockertown; his cherished grandchildren, Samantha, Shelby, Trent, and Gisele.

He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Ann (Grimes) Shala; his brother, Michael Shala; and his sister, MaryAnn (Shala) Cook.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Sept. 17 at Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Allentown.

Interment followed the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery in Allentown.

The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Paralyzed Veterans of America, a cause he supported.

Donations may be sent to Paralyzed Veterans of America, Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 758589, Topeka, Kan., 66675-8589, or made online through the organization’s website at https://pva.org/.