Nicholas J. Albu

Nicholas J. Albu, 90, of Niles, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home in Howland following a long illness. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, on August 30, 1935, he was the son of Nicholas S. and Marcella A. (Lysikowski) Albu. He spent most of his life in the Niles community, where he graduated from Niles McKinley High School in 1954 and later served honorably in the United States Army National Guard.

Nick was a devoted member of Saint Pope John XXIII Parish – Saint Stephen Church and a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus with Niles Council 1681. He worked 43 years as a machine operator at the National Gypsum Company in Niles, retiring in 1997. A lifelong learner, he took special interest in subjects that mattered to his grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply.

He is survived by his children, Paulette Mahan of Niles, Kathy Brown of Howland, Carolyn (Ronald) Brophy of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Michael R. Albu of Niles; six grandchildren, Marianne Sprankle, Frank B. Brown II, Megan L. Brown, Patrick (Brooke) Brophy, Nicholas Brophy, and Michael R. Albu II; two great-grandsons, Michael and Matthew Albu; and his brother, Charles (Linda) Albu of Niles.

Nick was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise (Urda) Albu, whom he married on August 16, 1958, and who passed away on February 28, 1996; two infant sons, Nicholas and James Albu; his daughter-in-law, Lori Albu; and two sisters, Helen Hawkins and infant Mary Ann Albu.