Albert H. "Pinky" Wilson

Albert H. “Pinky” Wilson

Korean War Army Veteran

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Brother, 86

“Wherever baseball fans met this morning they were still talking about last night's pip of a game in which Pinky Wilson hurled masterful four-hit shutout ball for 14 innings..." --Excerpt from The Bee: Danville, VA Thursday, August 2, 1956.

Albert Harold "Pinky" Wilson, 86, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley, 540 Franklin Avenue on Thursday, July 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. with Military Honors at 7:45 p.m.  The cremation will be held privately.

He was born July 6, 1932, in Timpson, Texas to Dennis and Ocie Wilson.  Pinky was an excellent athlete, playing basketball and baseball. The latter taking him to minor league training, beginning his baseball career by signing a contract with the New York Giants. However, he entered the Army to serve his country in the Korean War. It quickly became known to his superiors that he was quite a ballplayer, so during his service, he played for the Spaders, an Army baseball team.

After the Army, Pinky played for several minor league teams. He made the newspaper headlines numerous times while playing for The Danville Leafs. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Judy Nalbandian. They traveled for a few years during Pink's baseball career. After Pinky's shoulder incurred too much damage from all the years of pitching he and his wife settled in Nutley, NJ in 1958 where they started their family and Al joined his Father-in-law's business selling restaurant fire suppression systems. Al and Judy were married for over 61 years, making Nutley an anchor for their family.

Over the years, Al enjoyed: volunteering at the local Reinheimer-Perry Boys Club and was on their Board of Directors, talking politics, watching baseball, chatting with the locals, visiting his friend, Raja to purchase his daily lottery tickets at Raja's store, and gardening. He was a true patriot of his country that always believed in saluting the American Flag. Yet nothing brought him greater joy than being with his family and sharing in their lives—his only weakness may have been that he bragged a little too much about the family that he loved so much!

Albert is predeceased by both parents father, Dennis (1990) and mother, Ocie (1992), three brothers, Robert (1963), Dennis "Danny" (1979), Billy (2016). He leaves behind his wife Judy (Nalbandian). Two son's, Scott (wife, Valarie) Wilson of Monkton, VT, and Todd Wilson of Nutley. One grandson, Staff Sgt. Christian Wilson is actively serving in the US Air Force. Two sisters, Elizabeth and Francis both of Texas. Many nieces and nephews, and two special neighbors, the Brylinsky Family and the Peters Family. Two furry grandkids, Hank Otis and Addie.

The family wishes to offer their sincere appreciation and thankfulness to the VNA and Barnabas Hospice Team for aiding them through this challenging time, and genuine gratitude is extended to all of their friends and family who have provided support with their prayers and assistance where needed. We love you!

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