Obituary: Thomas Alber, Sr., longtime Charco Broiler manager

Thomas E. Alber, Sr. was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was born July 4, 1935 in Breckenridge and passed away Monday, Aug. 18 at his home in Berthoud. He is a third generation Colorado native, growing up in Minturn and Salida.

Tom was a veteran and served in the United States Army. After leaving the service, he attended Colorado State University. He was an assistant manager at Safeway when he met the love of his life, Loretta A (Foster) Alber. Tom left Safeway to pursue his restaurant management career of 38 years at the Charco Broiler. Tom and Loretta raised 3 children, Thomas Alber, Jr., Aletha (Alber) Smith, and Don Alber. This grew the family giving them multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom and Loretta retired in 1997, and moved to their dream property in Red Feather Lakes where Tom loved spending time with his family and friends. They sold this home to move closer to family during a battle of cancer only to learn again what wonderful children and grandchildren they have.

Tom was a strong influence in the restaurant at the Charco Broiler with many a night his family would wake to employees and restaurant patrons on the couch because they needed a home for the evening.

Tom is survived by his wife Loretta, sons Tom and Don, daughter Aletha; grandchildren Tilan, husband Jeff and 4 children, Joseph, Jakob and Zakary; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Marie Alber; sister-in-law, Hazel Pahl as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Aletha Alber, brother Jimmy, sister Dawn, and son-in-law R. Keith Smith.

Please join us for a celebration of life at Tom, Jr. and Suzanne Alber’s home on Sept. 13, 2014 at 2 p.m. in LaPorte. Please bring a side dish to share. Thanks.