It is with great sadness that I learned the passing of a good friend and a leader of our community, Albert Foundos.
He was an extraordinary human being who touched the lives of many who knew him. Al was first and foremost a family man, a man of deep faith, and a true patriot. He was a great American and a great Albanian, who loved America and loved the Albanian nation.
Sons of immigrants, he and his brother Louis realized the American dream, by working hard and tirelessly. When communism fell in Albania, they were among the first investors in a country that needed immediate help. They build a hotel and open businesses in Korça and help employ many local people.
With Anthony Athanas and other Albanian-Americans, Al and Louis raised money to buy the building that is used for the Embassy of Albania in Washington DC. They donated it to the Albanian government.
I was fortunate to work with him for more than thirty years for the Albanian cause and other initiatives that he cared about. We worked together to create the National Albanian American Council (NAAC) which did a remarkable job in Washington DC for the Albanian nation.
Al was particularly involved in the restoration and the revival of the Albanian Orthodox, St Nicholas Church in Queens, New York. He led and participated in many fundraising initiatives for the church and its community. Together with his brother, they ran annual golf tournaments to raise funds for the church and other worthy causes. They also contributed to many AANO events and other community organizations.
Al was a true gentleman, who will be missed deeply by everyone who got to know him.
I express my deepest condolences to Lou, to Al’s children, and his grandchildren and to the entire Foundos family.
God bless him and may his soul rest in peace!
Sincerely,
Harry Bajraktari
