WATERVILLE – David J. Albert, 80, boarded the train bound for heaven at Inland Hospital on June 19, 2022 due to a brief illness, with his brother and sister by his side.

David was born in Waterville on March 25, 1942, the son of Warren and Jennie (Wainer) Albert. He attended the Waterville Public School system and graduated from Waterville High School in 1962. David joined the Naval Reserves stationed in Augusta after graduation. After two years in the reserves, David was assigned active duty in the Navy’s administration office in Bermuda where he served for two years. David was honorably discharged for the Navy in 1964.

David became an employee of Scott Paper Co. in Winslow soon after his stint in the Navy, where he remained for 26 years working in the maintenance department until his retirement. During this time, David became actively involved in the local 470 Club, a group dedicated to preserving the old steam locomotive.

David joined the Elks Club in 1987 and was a loyal and proud member for 36 years. He enjoyed the formal ceremonies, the dinners, and during his daily visits the camaraderie around a table with his friends. David was awarded life membership in the club six years ago.

David was a life-long railroad enthusiast beginning with model railroads and evolving to railroad photography. He developed a keen interest in the history of the Maine Central Railroad and could often be found in the Waterville Railroad yard observing and photographing the trains’ movements. David loved to travel throughout Maine and New Hampshire “chasing trains” with his good friend and fellow railroad enthusiast, Dave Bolduc. During these excursions, he accumulated thousands of photos and negatives which he would sell to train enthusiasts and railroad magazines and authors seeking photos for the publication of their railroad books. David’s passion culminated in his co-authoring of the book “New England Diesels” with his good friend George F. Melvin in 1975.

On one of his photo excursions to New Hampshire, David met Dwight Smith, the new owner of the North Conway Scenic Railroad. They became fast friends and David volunteered his service to the organization for three decades, often acting as conductor for the train. David was a kind and loyal brother who will be sadly missed for his sense of humor and uncanny knowledge of classic movies and all things history.

David was predeceased by his father, Warren and his mother, Jennie.

David is survived by his brother, Richard and wife Lori of Palermo and sisters Sandra Roy of Fairfield Center and Nancy Shattuck of Jasper, Fla.; nephew, Derek Albert of South Portland and two nieces, Katie Roy of Cornville and Jessica Roy of Skowhegan.

A graveside service will be held for David at St. Francis Cemetery in Waterville on Saturday July 9 at 10 a.m.

My sister and I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to all of the staff at Lakewood Continuing Care for the excellent care they extended my brother.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm St., Waterville. An online guest book may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Elks National Foundation

and sent to the

Elks Club of Waterville,

76 Industrial St.,

Waterville, ME 04901