Husband, father, grandfather, retired LAPD Deputy Chief

“Kirk Albanese, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and lifelong servant to his community, died December 27, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer,” his family shared. “He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, love, and quiet strength that will live on through every life he touched.

“Kirk was born in Mount Pleasant, New York on October 8, 1956 to Dominick and Marjorie Albanese. He grew up alongside his three younger brothers, Dean, Todd, and Glen, and from an early age was a nurturing presence in their lives. While their parents worked long hours at their family restaurant, he stepped naturally into the role of protector and caretaker, embodying the patience, responsibility, and compassion that would define his entire life.

“From boyhood, he knew he wanted to be a police officer. He made the difficult but life-changing decision to move across the country to California and pursue his calling with the Los Angeles Police Department. It was there that fate placed him exactly where he was meant to be, not only in his career, but in love. He met Collette at a bakery counter, who would become his wife and life partner. They married in 1984 and went on to share 41 beautiful years together, building a life rooted in love and unwavering devotion. They have lived in Claremont for the last 25 years.

“He was the proud father of two children, Kirk Jr. and Joelle. He was their constant; coaching every sport, cheering from every sideline, teaching by example, and loving them unconditionally. To his children, he was not just a father, but a safe place, a teacher, and a hero. He was also a proud grandfather to Kirk III, June, Gia, and Marlowe, his beloved treasures, who brought him endless joy and purpose.

“He worked for the Los Angeles Police Department for 36 years, dedicating himself to the work and the people he served. He held a variety of assignments throughout his career and was known for approaching each role with care, fairness, and integrity. Through steady leadership and a deep sense of responsibility, he served as chief of detectives. His career was marked not only by courage, but by a moral compass so steady it became his signature.

“Outside of his service and devotion to family, he found joy in the simple pleasures that brought people together. In his youth he loved playing ice hockey and was a passionate Los Angeles Kings fan. After retiring, he embraced golf, spending peaceful days on the course enjoying the game he had long looked forward to having time for. Some of his happiest moments were spent at the family cabin in Lake Arrowhead with his wife and loved ones boating on the lake, surrounded by nature, laughter, and the people he cherished most.

“He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Collette; his children, Kirk Jr. (Julie) and Joelle (Michael); four cherished grandchildren; brothers, Dean, Todd, and Glen Albanese; brother-in-law James Oldham (Rosemarie) and numerous extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

“He was preceded in death by his father and mother Dominick and Marjorie Albanese, and brother Jack Albanese.

“A funeral Mass honoring Kirk’s life will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 23 at Holy Name of Mary Parish, 724 E. Bonita Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773. A graveside service will follow at Oakdale Memorial Park, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Glendora, CA 91740. Reception will immediately follow at Glendora Woman’s Club, 424 N. Glendora Ave., CA 91740. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and prayer to celebrate a life lived with honor, love, and unwavering devotion.

“To those who loved him, the world felt safer simply because Kirk was in it. He will be deeply, painfully, and forever missed.”