Albert V. Colangelo

Albert V. Colangelo, 97, of Ocala, FL, passed away on November 14th, 2025, having lived a long and adventurous life. He was born on June 10th, 1928 in Philadelphia and grew up in Drexel Hill, PA. 

As a young man, Al served in the Army during the Korean conflict, serving as a Sergeant in administration and recruiting in California. He was honorably discharged from service in 1952 and was also a member of the American Legion. 

On May 15th, 1954, he married Elizabeth Barnard of Trevose, PA, who was a professional nurse, graduating from Philadelphia General Hospital in 1949. They settled in Springfield, PA (Delaware County) after a short time in Upper Darby. They had three children, Albert, Jr. in 1955, Mary Ann in 1957, and Elizabeth in 1965. They shared their lives and enjoyed traveling together until Elizabeth’s passing in 2011. 

He learned the art of custom tailoring from his father and together they ran a well regarded tailor shop in Upper Darby, PA for many years. In 1970, he and his family moved to Hammonton, NJ where he founded Flight Apparel Industries, a successful clothing manufacturing enterprise which was one of Al’s life passions. He began a well deserved retirement around 1988 when he sold the company and moved to Leeward Air Ranch in Ocala, FL. 

Another primary passion was flying. He became a private pilot in his teens and continued flying until he was 92 years old. Even after he stopped piloting airplanes himself, he flew with many friends. He was a lifelong member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Quiet Birdmen, helping to found his local QB hangar. 

He also enjoyed sailing and RV-ing, traveling in his motor homes all over the United States and Canada, often with his wife Elizabeth and then in later years with cherished friends and companions. He was a long time member of the Family Motorcoach Association. 

Al also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus Lodge 5960 and the Elks Lodge 2730. 

Albert is survived by his daughters, Mary Ann Colangelo (Gray, ME) and Elizabeth Miller and her husband, William (Paris, ME), his grandchildren, Rose Colangelo and partner Oscar Nemeth (Cary, NC), Robert Miller, his wife Tracy, and great-grandchildren Oliver Miller and Abigail Miller (West Hartford, CT). Also grandsons James Miller, his wife Beth Fancy, and great-grandchildren Sophia Miller and Henry Miller (Berwick, NS, Canada), Peter Miller and partner Jewels Simmons (Austin, TX), and Paul Miller and his wife Gabriela (Stoneham, MA). He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth B. Colangelo, his son, Albert V. Colangelo, Jr., and his sisters, Anna Haigh, Rose Fleming, and Eleanor McDonnell. He also leaves behind many beloved relatives, friends, and business associates. 

A funeral Mass will be held at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 10 a.m., followed by a brief reception at the church and interment at noon at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala, Florida. Donations may be made to Brother’s Keeper, 320 NW 10th Street, Ocala, FL 34475