Kenneth R. "Scooter" Albone

Kenneth R. Albone ("Scooter") passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of March 31, 2025, aged 70, at the Masonic Village in Burlington, New Jersey. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his daughters, Elsie Hornblum and Nina DeLong, and his two grandsons. He is also survived by two sons-in-law, Jesse Hornblum and Daniel DeLong. Scooter was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lillian and Kenneth Albone, and his sister, Linda Albone. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Sandy Beatty, Kathy Hibner, Todd Albone, and Brad Albone, and adopted son, Edin Omeragic, with four more grandchildren.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Scooter spent a happy childhood near the Soo Locks, even working on the tour boats as a teenager. As a baby, he never crawled but scooted along the floor, earning the lifelong nickname “Scooter.” He delighted in performing magic tricks and telling jokes, a love that stayed with him throughout his life.

A lifelong learner, Scooter often joked that he never truly left school. After attending three universities and earning his PhD, he began his 40-year career as a Communications professor at Rowan University (formerly Glassboro State College). He was passionate about teaching and inspired countless students in public speaking, small group communication, and interpersonal communication. He also published multiple academic articles, presented at conferences, and authored a public speaking textbook and small group communication workbook.

In 1985, Scooter married Helena Whitty, and together, they lovingly raised their daughters, Elsie and Nina. His first experience as an “American Father” was with German exchange student Anja Wickord in 1992. The next year, Swiss exchange student Svea Ruoff joined the family for a year and remained a close family friend, including visiting Scooter in the summer of 2023. In 1995, they welcomed Bosnian exchange student Edin Omeragic into their family, officially adopting him the following year. Though Ken and Helena ended their marriage in 2003, they maintained a cordial relationship.

Scooter deeply loved his home state of Michigan and looked forward to returning in the summer. He cherished his time with his mother and family and maintained connections with friends and extended family in the “Soo.” He took pride in being a "Yooper," a term for residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Above all, Scooter treasured being a father. He was his daughters' biggest fan, supporting them in all their pursuits and taking special joy that they both attended Rowan University, where he taught. He rarely missed a concert or event and even self-published their writing. Later in life, his favorite role became that of grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his grandsons.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul Church in Burlington, NJ, on Wednesday, April 9th at 11 AM, followed by a luncheon. A private burial will take place at Manahath Cemetery in Glassboro, NJ. A memorial service will also be held in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in early fall, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rowan University in his honor at go.rowan.edu/albone.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth R. "Scooter" Albone, please visit our floral store.