Albert W. Spindler

Albert W. Spindler passed away on January 17, 2012 at his home in Metairie, LA, after a long illness, surrounded by his family. He was born in Floral Park, New York, March 31, 1928 as the only child of Albert J. and Jane Marie Spindler of Central Valley, NY. After high school he joined the US Army in 1946. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was editor of the Post-Times, the base newspaper in Augsberg, Germany. There he met Milda Bartnikas, a Lithuanian war refugee, whom he married in 1949. Albert earned his B.S. in Journalism at Utica College 1952. He worked as a news reporter for the Syracuse Herald-Journal until 1956 and served as a Public Information Officer for the Army Reserve. From 1957-1963 Albert was a news reporter for the Buffalo Courier-Express, covering labor relations, environment and business, and was an active member of the Newspaper Guild. He then became News Bureau Manager at Bell Aerosystems-Textron working to publicize its role in the space program. He moved his family to New Orleans in 1971 as the company began building surface effect ships for the Navy. In 1977 Mr. Spindler moved into the oil industry, serving as Manager of Public Relations for Ocean Drilling and Exploration. He wrote and edited Soundings, the company newsletter, and received several awards for fostering employee safety and recognition, then retired in 1989. He frequently participated in New Orleans' annual United Way drives during the 1980's. Albert Spindler is survived by his wife of 62 years, Milda, and their four children, William of Abita Springs, LA, Steven, of Kenner, LA, Gregg of Cazenovia, NY, and Michael, of Fairbanks, AK, and eight grandchildren. Albert loved taking his family camping and boating in the northeastern states and Canada. During the last half of his life he enjoyed New Orleans' cuisine, culture, social life, boating on the bayous and spending time at his country cottage near Picayune, MS.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service at St. Louis King of France Church, Bucktown, 10:30 AM Saturday January 21.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.