From the Scouts to the food pantry, Jeff Albanese works to inspire others

Goshen — There are people in Goshen who appear regularly in the newspaper, speaking out as members of local government or crusading about issues near and dear to them. And then there are the unsung heroes like Jeffrey Albanese, who contribute quietly, getting little recognition or even seeing a need for it. Albanese grew up in Rhode Island and has been a practicing lawyer in Goshen for more than 20 years. But when he’s not at work, he is, in the words of his devoted wife, Maryellen, “a significant contributor of many local projects and truly someone who makes a difference in our community.” Since 2002, he has been Scoutmaster of Goshen’s Boy Scout Troop 63. Under his direction, at least 20 young men have attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the last seven years. Ten more attained this rank under his supervision in the ten years before he became Scoutmaster, and at least two others will reach their goal within the next few months. Fewer than 2 percent of Scouts attain this prestigious rank. Albanese encourages young men to pursue Eagle Scout, which is sometimes difficult because “some of them think it is overwhelming and too much work.” He helps them set their strategy and bring their plans to fruition. Aspiring Eagles have helped to keep local food pantries supplied and to clean up the grounds of Goshen’s new Salesian park. Afterward, Eagles continue their community service. He has seen them join the Peace Corps or work with Habitat for Humanity. Many dedicated parents partipate in Scouts or coach their children’s teams while their children are young enough to be involved in these activities, and then stopping their involvement once their children have moved on. But Albanese continues to work with the Troop even though his own Eagle Scout son, now 22, is no longer part of the organization. “Every time it gets frustrating or overwhelming enough to think of retiring from it, I’ll get a heartfelt letter from a boy thanking me and I think, this is why I do this and continue,” said Albanese. He is also a member and past-commander of the local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Three of his great-grandfathers, and some of his wife’s ancestors, fought in the war. This discovery about his family inspired him to study history and political science at the University of Rhode Island. At the statewide meeting in June, he was elected junior vice-commander for the state department of this group. The projects he has spearheaded include the restoration of the gravesite of Col. Henry Burnett in Slate Hill cemetery. Burnett had headed the investigation into the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln. He also was involved in the installation of four Grand Army of the Republic highway markers along Route 6 in Orange County, and the refurbishment of the Orange Blossoms Monument in the village. He is a regular speaker at Memorial Day ceremonies and shares with others his knowledge and appreciation of history. He also chaired the Goshen 9/11 Commemoration Committee. Though he never had any political ambitions, he worked on several political campaigns, including that of R.I. Senator Clayburn, Jimmy Carter and others. Neither of his parents graduated from high school. Having grown up during the Depression, his mom may not even have attended high school. But both parents encouraged him, the oldest of six children, to become either a doctor or a lawyer. He chose the latter and met his wife, also an attorney, when she began working for him years ago. She helps coach the Goshen High School Mock Trial Team and together they help conduct the children’s liturgy service at St. John the Evangelist Church. His reason for all of his community work is simple: “How can you expect our youth to want to become active in our community if we ourselves do not set an example?” he asked.