Albert G. Burnelis

Age 102, of the South Side, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Husband of the late Anjela Burnelis. Dear father of Albert (Chris) Burnelis, Jr., Linda Schaefer, Arthur "Jerry" (Chris) Burnelis, Pattie (Ed) Zehel, Joyce (Dale) Ruediger and Alan (Vida) Burnelis. Grandfather of Tom, Amber, Lynn, Charles, Dawn, Brandy, Jessica, Ashley, Tiffany, Andrius and Vilija. Great-Grandfather of Zoey, Austin, Karmah, Justin, Peyton, Jordyn, Molly and Che. Brother of Frank Burnelis of Callahan, FL. Pre-deceased by seven other brothers and sisters. Friends received Tuesday 2-8 PM in Thomas J. Gmiter Funeral Home, Inc. 2323 E. Carson St. Funeral Prayer Wednesday 9:00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial in St. Adalbert Church, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish at 10:00 AM. Interment in Jefferson Memorial Park.

Albert Burnelis served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign during WWII. Specifically in the Battle of Okinawa and China, as a Corporal machine gunner. Prior to that, he served on White House duty under President Roosevelt and often tells stories about the President's dog, Fala, and of Shangri-La, or Camp David as it is currently called. He also loved to fly and served 20 years with the Civil Air Patrol at the Allegheny County Airport, as a flight observer and instructor retiring as a Major, August 3, 2003. He was a proud American who loved his country and would have done whatever was necessary to protect her.

He married the love of his life, Anjela, on August 11, 1944. After the war they settled in a house on Sidney Street on the South Side of Pittsburgh. Together they raised the six children noted above and remained happily married for 42 years until Anjela went home to be with Jesus October 7, 1986. Mr. Burnelis remained at that same home until now. Through the G.I. Bill he earned degrees as a Master Watchmaker and opened a shop at 1601 Carson Street which he ran for 44 years. He also served as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He played the organ, harmonica, and guitar on which he often played and sang the hokey pokey while his kids would dance around the room. He was a committee man at St. Casimir's Church and sang in the choir. He often took his family for Sunday drives in which they never knew where the road would take them. Life has been good to Albert as only 1% of people ever become a centenarian. Albert will undoubtedly be missed by his family. Semper Fi, Marine. March forward into your eternal reward of rest.

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