Albert Kanaan Jr

Albert Kanaan Jr. passed on Tuesday, May 24th, 2022, at home peacefully surrounded by his family, on his 75th birthday. We said goodbye to our beloved husband, brother, father, Jidu (grandfather), and friend after a courageously fought battle with his health.

Albert was born in New Kensington, PA, to Albert Kanaan Sr. and Doris Hajel on May 24th, 1947. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 37 years, Margaret (Maggie) Mary Welty of Gibsonia, PA. Proud father of four children, Alicia Lloyd (Daniel), Autumn Kanaan, Alexander Kanaan (Nora), Andrew Kanaan (Keegan). Adored Jidu (grandfather) to six grandchildren: Laila, Maggie, Max, Miles, Andrew and Alister; all who brought him the most joy in his life. He was a devoted, lifelong friend of many dear people in his life.

His dear brother, Zach Kanaan (Patti) of Michigan and Joseph Kanaan of Mexico; Nephew Zachary Kanaan Jr. (Jessica) who he loved “more than a nephew”. Uncle to many nieces, nephews who he loved; many brothers and sisters in law and dear nephew to Uncle Dude (Aimee) Girard and Cathy Mowrey of Oakmont, PA.

Albert attended Ken High School in New Kensington and went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA for his undergraduate degree in Education. Albert served in the United States Army drafted in his senior year at Duquesne University. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh for this Master’s degree in Education. Early in his career, he worked as a Union Carpenter for years before switching careers to Education due to a back injury.

He was a lifelong educator teaching building trades and maintenance at Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in New Kensington, PA. He was a dedicated basketball coach and mentor to many students and athletes. He moved into Education Administrator roles at Northern Westmoreland, Mon Valley and Connellsville Career and Technology Centers.

After his retirement in 2010, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of purchasing a farm home in Titusville, PA. Raising animals became a passion of his and the farm was a place to enjoy time with his family - all which brought him much happiness.

Albert was an intelligent and creative man who loved life, family, food, animals and time at the farm. Anyone who knew Albert knows that he was quite a story teller with a great sense of humor. He was a lifelong learner, teacher and coach; always curious and ready to learn.

During his final months, he was blessed to be in the care of our dear friend, Rachel, from Home Instead, along with the nurses Nicole, Liz, Janine and Robert from Heritage Hospice.

Family and friends will be received at St. George Orthodox Church on Friday, May 27th from 4– 7:00pm (Trisagion Prayers begin at 6:30pm) and Saturday May 28th from 10– 11:00am. The Orthodox funeral service will follow immediately, also in St. George Orthodox Church, 1150 Leishman Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068. The Funeral services are entrusted to RJ Slater IV Funeral Home & Cremation Service 724-335-0100. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church Building Fund, 1150 Leishman Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068.