Albert P. Gilsdorf Jr. of Virginia Beach, 98 years; passed away peacefully at home on the morning of June 16, 2016. Al was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1918 and grew up in Shenandoah, VA & Roanoke, VA. He received a BA degree from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg and later served in the Armed Forces in WW II as a bomber pilot in the 8th Air Force. During a mission in April 1944; his plane was shot down over Belgium (all crew survived) and he spent a year as a POW in eastern Germany, before being liberated near Munich in 1945. After the war he returned to Virginia, marrying Pauline Mason and settling in Norfolk. He has been a member of First Lutheran Church in Norfolk for over 60 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline Mason Gilsdorf and eldest son; Herbert Wall Gilsdorf. Survivors include sons Albert Philip Gilsdorf III; Frederick Allen Gilsdorf; and Warren Lee Gilsdorf. Plus numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a family graveside service in Roanoke, VA on Friday, June 24.