Prince Albert Congleton, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the Pinnacle Rehab and Adult Center in Smyrna, DE. He was born to Ada (Valentine) and John Congleton in Boothwyn, PA.
He was a WWII veteran serving time in the Navy as a Seaman Second Class on the USS Wainwright in the European Theatre, Pacific Theatre, and the Mediterranean Sea. In 1955 he married Helen E. Regenauer and moved to Smyrna.
After the war, he worked for International Union of Operating Engineers #542 of Phila, PA, retiring in 1981. Operating the big cranes for the IUOE, he helped set the steel for the twin spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. He was then employed at the Delaware Home & State Hospital for the next 4 years. In 1976 he established PAC’s Locksmith Service.
He was a Master Mason with 25 years membership with Harmony Lodge #13, a 32nd Degree member of the Scottish Rite, Wilmington, DE, and the Nur Temple.
He belonged to the David C. Harrison Post #14 of the American Legion for 50 years, and was a legion ambulance driver for 35 of those years. He also held various positions in the Dept. of the American Legion of Delaware. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #8801 of Clayton, and the Diamond State Locksmith Association. He is predeceased by his wife Helen in 1993; his parents; brothers John, Willard, Raymond, Earl, and sister Mary.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Maryellen and Ron Brown of Camden, DE; his three grandchildren Tracy Roth and her husband John of Erie, PA, LT. Col. David and Christina Brown of Colorado Springs, CO; and Bill and Jessica Brown of Middletown, DE. His great-grandchildren Taylor, Michaela, Sarah, Ian and Paige Roth of Erie, PA; and Ashley Brown, Alexa, Casey, and Jason Dunkelburger of Middletown, DE.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 24, at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce Street, Smyrna, where friends may call one hour prior. Interment will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Smyrna.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Harmony Lodge #13, P.O. Box 64, Smyrna, DE 19977 or the American Legion Ambulance Fund, David C. Harrison Post #14, 107 Glenwood Ave., Smyrna.
To send a condolence letter, visit www.delmarvaobits.com.
Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.
SMYRNA, Del. —
