Albert E. Beilby

Schenectady - After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Al Beilby died peacefully on the morning of October 8, 2024.  Supported by hospice and his family during the final weeks of his life, he was lovingly cared for in his home at Kingsway Arms Nursing Facility in Schenectady.

Al was born in 1940 in the Southern Tier community of Deposit, NY to the late Hazel (Harris) and Earl Beilby. Raised outside of Whitney Point, working the family’s dairy farm and attending school. After high school, Al attended Cornel University and then Syracuse University, where he obtained a PhD in Instructional Technology.

He married Mary (Heying) in 1968 and continued to pursue his interests in gardening and carpentry when they purchased a 150 year-old farm house near McGraw that could have been an episode of “This Old House” over several years. This was the first of four home renovations he undertook along with creating gardens at each. They shared their interests in gardening, community involvement, movies and travel.

A combination of grit and intellect guided Al through his adult life and career as he brought state medical programs into the computer age. Al was also a dedicated son and brother, spending time caring for his aging parents and sister, checking on them in between home and work to ensure they had everything they needed.  He enjoyed being a father, but perhaps the most during his son’s school sport and musical activities. He never missed a soccer game or a musical.  When he finally retired, Al combined his love of athletics and musicals and began line dancing – a hobby he pursued with gusto until his hearing and balance faltered.

Albert E. Beilby is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary (Heying); his son Ian (Schuylar Dawson); grandchildren Wiley and Augustin (Dawson-Beilby); and nieces. His sisters Edna (Hawley) and Dawn, died before him as did his brother Clyde.

Friends are invited to remember and celebrate Al on Monday October 14 at 2:00 PM at Cannon Funeral Home at 2020 Central Ave in Colonie. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in his memory to: Community Hospice - The Community Hospice Foundation: https://www.givetocommunityhospice.org/donate/ OR THE Northeastern Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate  To leave a message of condolence for the family or to view Al’s custom video tribute, visit www.CannonFuneral.com