Morris Lee Albert

Morris Lee Albert, affectionately known as “Dingo,” was born on June 22, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Paul and Bessie Albert.

Morris received his formal education in Philadelphia and graduated from Thomas Edison High School at the young age of 17, earning his Trade Preparatory Diploma. This milestone marked the beginning of a lifetime defined by hard work, skill, determination, and purpose. A young man shaped by resilience and community, Morris developed an early appreciation for working with his hands, mastering a craft, and using what he knew to help others.

In 1970, Morris answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, where he worked in aviation. He mastered the intricacies of aircraft maintenance, helping to ensure the safety and readiness of the fleet. His years in the Navy strengthened his discipline, sharpened his technical abilities, and deepened the character that would guide him throughout his life. His military service remained a defining chapter of honor, commitment, and service.

Following his time in the Navy, Morris continued to expand his knowledge and abilities. In 1974, he completed his tractor-trailer certification through American Training Services. His pursuit of technical excellence continued at The Lyons Technical Institute, where he earned his certification in Electrical Technology. In 1984, he received a Diploma of Completion from the WeilMcLain School of Better Heating for his mastery of Hydronics, adding yet another area of expertise to his already impressive technical abilities.

Morris never stopped learning. Throughout his life, he completed numerous additional certifications and training programs, always seeking to improve his skills and expand his knowledge. Yet, as his professional abilities grew, so did his desire for something deeper—a stronger spiritual foundation that would ultimately become one of the most transformative parts of his life.

In 1980, Morris dedicated his life to Christ. On September 24, 1982, he was baptized at Garden of Prayer World Prayer Center under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Harry Judge. With the same discipline he brought to his professional pursuits, Morris immersed himself in the study of God’s Word. He completed coursework in New Testament Greek at Manna Bible Institute and earned his Advanced Teachers Certificate through the Evangelical Teacher Training Association.

It was also at Manna Bible Institute that Morris met Gilda Tina Albert, a woman whose grace, faith, and devotion complemented his own. On October 27, 1984, Gilda became his beloved wife. Their union was built upon faith, friendship, laughter, devotion, and partnership. Together, they created a home grounded in warmth, family, and love. Though life would eventually lead them down separate paths, the bond between Morris and Gilda was never truly broken. In his final years, they found their way back to one another, reunited in the friendship and affection that had always been at the foundation of their relationship. To the very end, she remained “his wife,” a beautiful testament to the enduring connection and love they shared.

Morris continued to excel in his spiritual development, embracing every opportunity to learn, serve, and grow. He became an ordained Deacon at Faith, Hope, and Love Church, faithfully serving with humility and devotion. In 1987, he received his diploma after completing Manna Bible Institute’s Four-Year Standard Course of Study—another testament to his discipline, dedication, and unwavering commitment to understanding and living God’s Word.

As Morris grew spiritually, he also continued to advance professionally, building a long and meaningful career with the Philadelphia Water Department. But his work was never simply about earning a living. Morris poured into the people around him. He became a mentor, teacher, and father figure to many of those with whom he worked, offering guidance with patience, wisdom, honesty, and a steady hand.

Morris never abandoned the trades he had worked so diligently to master. Instead, he used his gifts in service to others. When a heater stopped working in the dead of winter, Morris was there. When an air conditioner failed in the summer, Morris was there. Whether someone needed emergency plumbing or electrical work, a bathroom remodeled, a wall repaired, or even a sidewalk repaved to make it safe—Morris could do it, and more importantly, he was willing to help. He was truly a “Jack of All Trades.” Yet his greatest talent was not simply knowing how to fix things. It was his willingness to use what he knew to make life better for someone else. His hands were skilled, but his heart was generous.

Morris wore many hats throughout his life—servant, veteran, tradesman, mentor, philanthropist, steward, disciple, husband, brother, and friend. But among all the roles he held, none made him prouder than being a father. He was a devoted father who made certain his girls understood more than what could be learned from a textbook. He taught them about real life. Time with Dad could mean going “junking” and learning how to turn scraps into cash. It could mean wallpapering a bathroom, spackling a wall, bleeding a heater, laying a foundation for a home, or learning how to repoint brickwork. Whatever Morris was doing, his girls were learning right alongside him. But the greatest lessons were not about tools or trades. They were lessons about wisdom, independence, responsibility, faith, and knowing your worth.

His daughters can still hear his voice:

“Don’t be messing ’round with those jokers—they trouble.”

“Don’t be doing all that talking.”

“Credit is everything, and Cash is King!”

And his favorite and most important:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5–6

On Monday, August 24, 2026, Morris Lee Albert completed his earthly journey and was called home to eternal rest. A life filled with service, faith, family, hard work, laughter, teaching, and love had come full circle. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the wisdom he shared, and the lives he touched remain.

Morris leaves to love and cherish his memory his four beloved daughters, Marcia (James) Smith-Platts, Theresa (Derrick) Bediako, Monique (Christopher) Robertson, and Morgan Albert; eleven grandchildren, Justice, Cregg, Derek, Elahsia, Jamia, Savannah, Aloha, London, Sanayah, Akirah and Princeton; and two great-grandchildren, Nia and Bishop, each of whom carries his legacy in their hearts; three beloved sisters, Lottie, Bessie, and Adele; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, colleagues, and countless others whose lives were made better simply because Morris was part of them.

Morris will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his wisdom, his skilled hands, his generous spirit, his unwavering faith, and his remarkable ability to make people feel seen and valued. His was a life of service—to God, to family, to country, and to community. The tools he placed in the hands of his daughters taught them how to build and repair. The wisdom he placed in their hearts taught them how to live. The faith he planted within his family taught them where to turn when life became difficult. And the love he gave them taught them what truly matters.

Although Morris Lee “Dingo” Albert has left this earth, his impact lives on in the generations he shaped and the countless lives he touched. His memory will continue to shine, a reminder of a life well-lived, a love well given and a legacy that will never fade.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12