Albert A. Nash

Retired Senior Master Sgt. Albert A. Nash, 72, of Willingboro, NJ passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday September 3, 2013 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He was affectionately known as “Al” to his family and friends, and “Sonny” to those who go way back to his childhood on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Al was born on April 8, 1941 to parents Wilnette Nash and Edward Webb (pre-deceased) in Easton, MD. He was a graduate of Moton High School in 1959. During his time in school, he excelled in his musical abilities by participating in the Glee Club and enjoyed playing the trumpet in the High School Band. Even though Al won a musical scholarship to college, he chose to pursue his greater passion--- flying. He enlisted into the United States Air Force. Al served in the Vietnam War and returned a hero. He and his 10- man crew won the distinguished Mackay Trophy for the “Most Meritorious Flight of The Year”, which sits proudly in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Throughout his 28- year career as a Flight Engineer, Albert won numerous medals and awards: the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Oak Leaf Cluster Medal, Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and many, many more. These distinguished awards have merited Al a burial with high honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. Even after retiring from the Air Force, Al still did not have his fill of flying and continued to work in the field of aviation by becoming a Flight Instructor for Hughes Air Craft where he taught and trained military and commercial pilots for several years. He later worked for the Department of Treasury in Trenton, NJ, where he finally retired for the third time! Having completed his Associates Degree in the Air Force, and now with the freedom of time, Al decided to go back to school. He was currently attending Strayer University to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. Those who knew Albert best will recall his passion for air planes, cars and trains. Albert achieved his private pilot’s license and proudly flew family and friends every chance he could. Albert could always be found tinkering on his cars as well…he was an outstanding mechanic and fixing engines brought him great joy. In 1961 he married his “Sweetie” Wilhelmenia Gasque from Springfield, MA and from that union they had two daughters, Delphine Nash Costello and Sharon Nash, both of Burlington, NJ, and a granddaughter, Elisa Nash Silverman of Voorhees, NJ. Family was always dear to his heart and he was looking forward to becoming a great grandfather to his soon expected great-grandson. Albert is survived by his wife, Wilhelmenia Nash, his daughters Delphine Nash Costello (Keith), Sharon Nash, granddaughter Elisa Silverman (Samuel), He also leaves behind his sister Maria Webb Gomes (Ronald), brothers Jason Webb and Edward Jackson (Argerine), Uncles Gregory Webb, Dale Webb and Warren Webb, brothers-in-law Walter Gasque, Dennis Gasque, sisters-in-law, Veronica Gasque, Hattie Gasque, Carol Gasque, Mary Gasque and Lois Gasque. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends. Funeral service will be held 12 pm, Tuesday at McGuire Chapel One, 2503 East Arnold Ave., McGuire AFB, NJ 08046. Interment and Military Honors will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Friends and relatives may visit with the family from 10 am until time of service at the chapel. Arrangements by the Perinchief Chapels, Mt. Holly, NJ.

Albert A. Nash

April 8, 1941 - September 3, 2013