John Robert Alberti, 97 of Bowling Green, Ohio (formerly of Findlay, Ohio) passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023.
Known as “Bob” to his family and childhood friends, John was known for his delightful wit, his ingenuity in problem solving, his insatiable curiosity, his love of learning and sharing ideas, his perseverance in overcoming difficulties, and his strong commitment to family and friends. As his memory faded in his last years, his love for his family, and his heart to connect with others grew even brighter.
Born March 5, 1925 in Toledo, Ohio, John was the son of Karl and Ruth Alberti. John graduated from Libby High School in Toledo in 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy where he served primarily in the North Atlantic and for a brief time in San Francisco, CA when the war ended. After the war, John worked in the family glass business. During that time, he met and married Jane Iler on September 18, 1948. They had three children: John (Curtis), David, and Jenny. In 1953, John decided to leave the glass business and go to college. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1956 from Findlay College and taught at various public schools in the Findlay area.
In 1960 the family moved to Columbus, Ohio so John could attend graduate school at Ohio State University. While working on his Master’s and then his PhD, he taught at Medina Jr. High in Columbus, and later taught as a graduate assistant at Ohio State.
In 1966 John took a job as VP of Academic Affairs at Rio Grande College. In his first year at Rio Grande, John not only finished his dissertation for his PhD, but guided the College through the arduous process of accreditation. During the tumultuous 1960’s John endeavored to maintain a peaceful and productive working relationship between students, faculty and administration— which is challenging at the best of times.
In 1970, John became president of Ottumwa Heights Jr. College in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1975 he took the position of president of Blackburn College, in Carlinville, IL, where he served with distinction for over 8 years. When his health became a major concern, John resigned from Blackburn and the couple moved back to Findlay to be near family and friends.
A short time later John suffered a major heart attack and decided to retire from academic life. He continued to be involved in education, serving on the Board of Findlay College and participating in various civic organizations.
In 2012 John and Jane moved to an assisted living facility in Bowling Green, Ohio, where they lived until Jane passed away in 2016. John moved to Brookdale Bowling Green Assisted Living (Sterling House) after Jane’s death, where he lived, loved, and delighted people with his humor until his death. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by two sons: John Curtis Alberti (and wife Jan) of Chicago, Illinois; David Alberti (and wife Jeanine) of Bowling Green, Ohio; one daughter, Jenny West of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 9 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Cremation will be at Dunn’s Funeral Home in Bowling Green, and a private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 West Wooster Street.
To leave an online condolence or share a fond memory with the Alberti family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
