Obituary of Gerald Alberts

Jerry was born in the Rockford Hospital to Esther Holmes and Lawrence (Pop) Alberts of 310 N Horace Avenue, in Rockford, IL. After graduating from West High School in Rockford, Jerry enlisted in the Navy Reserves (discharged in 1952) and eventually moved to Albuquerque, NM. Together with Pop, he owned and operated ALBERTS 66 Gas Station for over ten years and enjoyed much success. Later he became a partner of Universal Metal Spinning Corp. His first marriage was to Betty and together they had four children, Lori, Luann, Tommy and Randy. Tommy passed away as a toddler, and Betty and Jerry were divorced in 1968. Jerry married Julia May (Hoyle) in 1969 and together with Julia's daughter Roberta, moved to Los Angeles. Jerry and Julia started Skyball Metal Craft - a manufacturing business in 1970, and set out to earn government contracts making aluminum spheres to be used in radar testing and detection. Their business was very successful - despite the fact they never had one order for a "skyball". Jerry invented many automated machines and produced parts for various industries. He made thousands of office chair bases, motorcycle parts and a motorcycle wheel chock named the Bike Shoe. He automated the manufacturing of window shutters - a normally hands-on labor intensive product. With Jerry's machines, shutters became easier to make, less expensive and are a favored home upgrade even today. Skyball sold these machines around the world. Jerry was a genius with the ability to look at something and figure out how it was made, and most of the time, how he could make it easier or better. When he began making chair bases, the process had a high failure rate, as the welding was done mostly by hand. Jerry automated most of the process, eliminating the costly losses and changed the industry forever. Jerry was generous with his advice and designs. His friends and associates knew that if they had a problem, they could ask Jerry and he would freely give them a solution. He didn't have many close friends, as he was always working, but those he had were true and loyal. Jerry smoked cigarettes most of his life and had his share of drinks after work. As a fabulous dancer, he loved to go to the Elks club and was a member for many years. Julia and Jerry would join friends for vacations to Hawaii, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Vallarta and Las Vegas, NV. These vacations were few and far between, as Jerry preferred to be at work or working at his home in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. He built his own raised garden complete with a huge flowing water foundation that brought birds from miles around. He loved to cook on his dueling-barbeques and was fond of Drambuie liquor (with a small flame, of course!) In addition, he and Julia rescued many, many dogs and cats over their years together. At one time they had six dogs - all rescued from dire circumstances, and all loving the home provided by their rescuers. After a series of severe strokes in the late nineties, Jerry slowed his pace. Julia's health failed and in 2006 they closed their business. They relocated back to Albuquerque to be close to their siblings, but in October 2008, Julia passed away. Jerry decided he wanted to move back to sunny California, so with the help of his family, he moved to an assisted living facility in Simi Valley and let Roberta help him. He made many friends in his new home. Even though he wasn't a man of many words, his smile was infectious and everyone knew him. It wasn't until just in the past few months that several severe strokes followed by a dislocated hip that his smile finally faded. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Julia, his parents Esther and Lawrence, son Tommy and daughter Luann. He is survived by daughter Lori, son Randy, his sister Barbara, nephews Larry (wife Trish) and Danny, nieces Cathy (husband Robert) and Lynette (husband John), grandson Tyler (mother Luann), step-daughter Roberta (husband Jim) and step-grandsons Joe and Danny, plus many more great nieces and nephews. Roberta would like to thank the staff of Vintage Simi Hills for their kindness and support in caring for Jerry over the last four years. Additionally, we are so grateful for Irma and the hospice staff of Assisted Home Hospice whose gentle care made Jerry's transition dignified and peaceful. Per his wishes, there will not be a formal memorial service. After cremation, the remains of both Jerry and Julia will be spread a sea. In lieu of flowers, a donation in their name to the Animal Humane Society or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.