Robert ‘soapy’ J. Albert

Robert J. “Soapy” Albert, age 69, of Dover, passed away Wednesday morning, April 7, 2010 in Union Hospital at Dover following a recent diagnosis with cancer.Born at Dover, January 20, 1941, he was the son of the late John Elmer and Irene Helen (Schlafly) Albert. Soapy began his education at New Philadelphia and ultimately graduated from Strasburg High School. Then, he went on to honorably serve his country in the United States Navy. After completing his formal education, Soapy began his career with the former Bates-Ohio gas station at Strasburg. From there he worked in the trucking business for Von Kaenel Trucking, A. J. Weigand Trucking, and Baker Trucking. Most of all, Soapy will be remembered for his years of faithful service in law enforcement. What began as work as a reserve deputy for the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Department on the weekends became his full-time passion as a Dover Police Officer for 25 years until his retirement on March 6, 1998. While at Dover, Soapy earned the respect of his colleagues at the police station, and the goodwill of the community he served. Although officially retired, Soapy never really stopped working. He loved the outdoors, especially fishing and camping on Tappan Lake; so his work as a lake ranger for the MWCD was a perfect fit for the summer’s he spent on the water. Many of his friends at Tappan Lake knew Soapy as “President Bob of Redneck Yacht Club.” In addition to his love of the outdoors, Soapy enjoyed bowling on many leagues, following his grandchildren in their extra-curricular events, and serving as a Boy Scout leader.Active in the community, Soapy attended Winfield United Methodist Church. His memberships were numerous and included the Tuscora Lodge #4 of the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, B.P.O.E. #510 at New Philadelphia, and was a 25 year member of the Cypress Lodge # 604 F. & A. M at Strasburg.On May 10, 1986, Soapy married his wife, the former Suzanne “Suzie” Polen, of Dover who survives. Together, they enjoyed summers at Tappan and wintering in Florida. He will also be dearly missed by his children; including daughters, Tammy (Jerry) Klein of Dundee, and Kimberly J. (Bill) Grimm-Hall of Bolivar, and son, Robert J. (Donna) Albert, II, of Betendorf, Iowa; his grandchildren, Justin R. and Tasha L. Klein of Dundee, Jonathan W. and Maria L. Grimm of Bolivar and Nicole Albert of Massillon; his step-children, Rob (Jane) Maurer and Deb (Matt) Goodwin, both of New Philadelphia; step-grandchildren, Megan and Drew Maurer, and Trace and Lily Goodwin; his sister, Nancy (fiancé, Jim Graybill) Sullivan of New Philadelphia; a half-sister, Leslie Ann Specht; his former wife, Diana (Greg) Fankhauser of Dundee; and his dog, Missy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, John Charles Albert.Friends are invited to call Sunday afternoon from 1-5 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Fraternal Order of Police service will begin at 5 p.m. and New Philadelphia Elks Lodge of Sorrow services will commence at 12:45 p.m. An honor guard will be provided by the Dover Police Department. Pastor LuAnn Youngman will lead a funeral service celebrating Soapy’s life Monday morning at 11 at the Geib Funeral Center in Dover. Inurnment will follow in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens where military funeral honors will be rendered by the Dover V.F.W. Family and friends are invited back to the Geib Funeral Center where a meal will be shared following the committal service.Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website. Memorial contributions in Soapy’s memory may be directed to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, O. 44622, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, PO Box 2, New Philadelphia, O. 44663, or Winfield United Methodist Church, State Route 516, Dover, O. 44622.