Obituary of Brother Frank Albrecht

Brother Frank Albrecht, a revered leader, educator, and community advocate, passed away of ALS on August 24, 2024, at the age of 66. His life was a testament to unwavering dedication to service, spanning over four decades and touching countless lives, praising the Lord every moment along the way until his last breath!

Born on May 6, 1958 in Pigeon, Michigan on a hog farm, Brother Albrecht’s humble beginnings propelled him into a lifelong journey of service. His commitment to the Mennonite faith and community led him to become a founding member of the Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster. His passion for expanding his outreach and messages of peace took him to Colombia with Mennonite Central Committee, where he played a pivotal role in establishing mediation programs in public and private schools throughout the country. For the past 20 years, Brother Albrecht served with devotion at Laurel Street Mennonite Church.

Brother Albrecht’s influence extended beyond the church walls into the heart of Lancaster city. In 1980, he moved to South Anne Street to better connect with his diverse student population as an educator. This decision was driven by his belief in the importance of understanding the environment of those he served. His dedication to his students was evident through his initiatives, such as the South Anne Street Boyz canoe trips, which he started in 1988 to provide local youth with enriching experiences.

An educator at heart, Brother Albrecht began his career at New Danville Mennonite School, teaching physical education from 1980 to 1982. He then joined the School District of Lancaster, where he made significant contributions. From 1985 to 1993, he served at JP McCaskey High School, founding the REACH program in 1987 and a peer mediation program in 1990, mediating over 350 disputes annually. His work continued with a brief period at King Elementary from 1997 to 2001, where he implemented a mediation program and Peacemaker’s Club, facilitating 500 mediations each year. Returning to McCaskey, he was a cornerstone of student support services, known for his energetic involvement and personal connections with students.

In 2010, Brother Albrecht expanded his outreach by producing bilingual radio shows on family peacebuilding. His commitment to non-violent and respectful parenting resonated through these broadcasts, further extending his influence.

Brother Albrecht’s tireless efforts were not without personal challenges. In June 2023, he was diagnosed with ALS, which led him to rely on a wheelchair by November 2023. Despite these physical challenges, he remained resolute in his commitment to education and community service, fulfilling his goal to support his students at McCaskey High School for as long as he was able. His fight with ALS came with numerous difficulties and facing them would not have been possible without support from Compassionate Care ALS and his dedicated community that wrapped around him and his family in this year-long journey. From providing emotional, financial, and physical support, caregiving, meals, coordination, and company to name a few. His family is eternally grateful to each and every person that showed up in our time of need, just like Brother Albrecht did for so many throughout his life. 

His service was not confined to his professional life. Brother Albrecht was known for his daily acts of kindness, from cleaning the streets of his neighborhood to supporting local block parties and managing personal relationships with students and their families. His legacy includes the impact he made on those he greeted by name each morning and his dedication to attending countless school and community events.

Brother Albrecht is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Soto, and their daughters,Yentli and Sara, sons-in-law Sam and Patrick, and his siblings Chuck and Linda Albrecht.

In his brief 4 month-long retirement, Brother Albrecht reflected on his career with humility and pride. Brother Albrecht’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the programs he founded, and the peace he fostered in his community. He will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love.

A memorial service will be TONITE, Monday, August 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM at First Spanish Assembly of God, 626 South Duke Street, Lancaster, PA.  There will be no public viewing.  The family will greet guests at the church on Monday afternoon from 4:00 PM until the time of the service.  To support Frank’s work with mediation, Reach, or to support the planting of trees in his honor at McCaskey, donate to LEF (Lancaster Education Foundation), 445 North Reservoir Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 attention Frank Albrecht Fund or https://lancastereducation.com/albrecht-scholarship/.  To express a condolence with the family or to watch a livestream of the service, visit www.simplefuneralspa.com.