Obituaries
Albert P. Lexie
Date of Death: October 16, 2018
Viewing/Services:
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Rhome Funeral Home Inc., 1209 Grand Blvd. Monessen, where friends will be welcomed from 1-3 and 6-9 Thursday, October 18 2018. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Friday, October19, 2018 at 10:30 am with Rev. J.D. Davenport officiating.
Interment will follow at the Grandview Cemetery of Monessen.
Obituary:
Albert P. Lexie, "The Shoeshine Man" 76 passed away on October 16, 2018 in the Davenport Hall of Charleroi.Albert was born in Monessen, on August 1, 1942, a son of the late Frank and Nellie Malinchak Lexie .Albert built his shoe shine box in shop class at Monessen High School in his eighth grade and final year. He received an Honorary Diploma from Monessen High School in 1999. Albert began shining shoes at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1982. He left Monessen at 5:50 am every Tuesday and Thursday in order to arrive at Children's to begin shining shoes at 7:25. Albert was a Champion to Children's Hospital and had donated all of his tip money to "His Kids" through the Children's Hospital Free Care Fund.Due to his selfless generosity, Albert has been awarded: The Association of Fundraising Professional Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the organizations Western PA Chapter in 2001.1997 Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Citizen.Has been honored by the Donora Rotary for Community Service,In 2006 , received the National Caring Award by the Caring Institute and is a member of the Hall of Fame for Caring Americans. The Foundation for A Better Life recognized Albert with billboards in every state in the nation to honor his kindness. In 2010, Albert was selected by "People" magazine as one of 30 "All Stars Among Us" and was honored at the Major League Baseball All Star Game. Albert has appeared on the "Oprah Winfrey Show", "Jane Pauley Show", CBS Evening News, and World News Tonight. "Reader's Digest" had done a feature article on him as well. In 2012, his biography- "Albert's Kids" was published. Albert had been a "Bell Ringer" for the Salvation Army for numerous years, and was honored by the Salvation Army in 2013 for his efforts and recognizing his retirement. Albert was an honorary member of the Monessen Fire Department. He was also a member of the Monongahela Rotary. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister- Kathy Cooper, Brothers- John and Frank, and several nieces, nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins .Surviving are his Niece and caregiver- Stephanie Davis, Brother-in-law, Harry Cooper, many Nieces and Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and his extended family at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh..