Albert A. Giagnacova, CLU, ChFC

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” — John 11:25–26

Albert A. Giagnacova, lovingly known to so many as “Big Al,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

It is difficult to describe Albert because, as so many people who knew him have said, he was truly one of a kind. All who knew him loved him, just as he loved them. He was quick to make a friend, always ready with a kind word, extraordinarily generous in spirit, and someone whose presence could fill a room.

Albert was truly the life of the party. He loved people, conversation, laughter, good stories, and being surrounded by family and friends. He worked incredibly hard throughout his life, but he also knew how to enjoy it. His humor, stories, warmth, and larger-than-life personality made every gathering more fun simply because he was there.

To his family, Albert was also affectionately known as “The Wizard.” There seemed to be very little he didn’t know something about, and if he didn’t know the answer, he could usually figure it out. His knowledge and creativity seemed endless, whether he was designing properties, solving a problem, offering advice, or coming up with a creative solution no one else had considered. His family knew that when they had a question or a problem, they could always call Albert. Being “The Wizard” was just another part of what made him one of a kind.

Albert was a true believer in Christ and in the promise that life does not end with death. He lived that faith every day through his generous spirit, his kind words, his ability to make a friend wherever he went, and, above all, his unwavering love and support for his family.

Albert graduated from Villanova University in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, majoring in Finance. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Finance, where he studied pensions, estates, taxation, financial planning, and related areas. He later earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation in 1970 and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation in 1984 through the American College of Life Underwriters.

Albert began his career with Equitable in 1961 and spent 55 years with the company as an agent and manager. During his distinguished career, he received numerous honors, including the AXA/Equitable Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received twice; AXA Equitable’s Northeastern Regional Honor Agent recognition; the Order of Excalibur; Eastern Division Outstanding Man of the Year; induction into the Equitable Hall of Fame; and the Silver Medal of Honor.

He was a qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 40 years, a member of the AXA/Equitable National Leaders Corp. for 43 years, and a member of the Chartered Life Underwriters Association and American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He also served as President of the AXA/Equitable CLU Association.

Albert’s commitment to his community was every bit as remarkable as his professional career. He believed strongly in giving back and devoted decades of his life to civic, cultural, educational, healthcare, and charitable organizations.

His extensive community service included the Walnut Street Theatre Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where he served for many years; the Fidelity Savings & Loan Association of Bucks County Board of Directors, where he also served as Corporate Secretary; the Lower Bucks Hospital Board of Directors, where he served as Past President and Chairman; the Temple Lower Bucks Hospital Board; the Pennsylvania Hospital Association Board of Directors; and the Temple University Hospital Gala, where he served as Co-Chair.

Albert also served on the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and Executive Committee; the Washington Crossing Foundation Executive Committee; the Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund Board of Directors; and the Villanova University Development Committee.

His service further included the Washington Crossing Park Commission, where he served as Past Chairman following a Pennsylvania Governor’s appointment; the Rotary 747 Foundation Board; the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council Board of Directors and Education Committee; and the Bucks County Health System Board, where he served as President from 1989 to 1995.

Albert was also a past member of the Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Bucks County Life Underwriters, and the Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra.

His commitment to others earned him additional recognition, including the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Certificate and the Hendel Foundation Ecumenical Person of the Year Award in 1991.

For all of Albert’s professional achievements, awards, leadership positions, and community service, however, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Albert was a devoted husband to Luci and a loving father to Albert III and Nancy. He is survived by his wife, Luci; his son, Albert III; his daughter, Nancy, and her husband, Justin Yaich; and his beloved grandchildren, Jack and Taylor.

His family always knew they could count on him. Albert showed his love by taking care of people—not only during life’s biggest moments, but in the countless small ones that ultimately mean the most. He wanted to know that everyone was okay, everyone was included, and everyone had what they needed.

Each member of his family will carry their own special memories of him. Luci will miss their lunch dates and the everyday companionship that came from sharing a life together. Albert will miss watching television with his dad and their time together at cigar club. Nancy will forever cherish their late-night phone calls and road trips. Justin will miss his telephone calls with Big Al to brainstorm issues and find solutions together. Taylor and Jack will remember a grandfather who was always excited to see them and loved entertaining them and making their time together special. Albert especially loved attending his grandson Jack’s games and was always one of his biggest supporters. As a family, they will forever cherish their time together in Avalon and the incredible memories they made traveling the world together.

Albert leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. It can be seen in the organizations he strengthened, the career he built, the people he mentored, the community he served, and, most importantly, the family he loved.

Those who knew him will remember his generosity, kindness, loyalty, humor, faith, and enormous love of life. They will remember the parties, the stories, the laughter, and the way he could fill a room. Most of all, they will remember the way Albert cared for the people he loved.

Albert loved a good story and loved hearing the memories people shared about him. His family invites those who knew and loved Big Al to share their favorite stories and memories so they can continue to be told for generations.

The stories will continue. The laughter will continue. And most importantly, the love will continue.

There was only one Big Al. And anyone fortunate enough to know him will never forget him.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Albert’s life. A viewing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at the Wade Funeral Home in Bristol. A second viewing will be held Thursday morning from 9:15-10:15 a.m. at the Wade Funeral Home. Words of Remembrance, followed by his Funeral Mass, will begin at 10:45am at St. Ann Church in Bristol. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Albert’s honor to a charity of your choice or to Empowered Institute, the nonprofit organization founded by his daughter, Nancy, dedicated to helping students with special needs attend college and pursue their goals. Albert was always deeply passionate about the value of education and the opportunities it could provide, and he was incredibly proud of Nancy earning her doctorate degree and Albert earning his medical degree.