William "Bill" Alberta

William "Bill" Alberta of Ithaca, NY, died on October 9 after a brief illness and a long life of love and service.

Bill was born in Waterbury, Vermont on January 29, 1946 to Pauline and Neil Alberta. He grew up along the Delaware River in Hancock, NY with his siblings, developing a deep and abiding love of nature that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Along with his wife Sherry, Bill created a haven in the countryside cherished by family.

A consummate professional, Bill remains highly regarded among his co-workers from the Office of Student and Career Development at Cornell University (retired 2012) and among those he worked with at the Center for Transformational Action, based at Cornell. Of particular note is the Elves Program which Bill established in 1989 and directed with the tireless help of his wife Sherry, supported by many fellow Elves. The Elves program grew from the Office of Student and Career Development, first serving one elementary school in 1989 to now reaching well over 1,000 children from 41 schools, a remarkable legacy. In addition to the thousands of families who benefit from the Elves Program, numerous individuals in crisis received life-changing support through Bill and Sherry's mentorship and generosity over many years.

In addition to Bill's beloved wife of 47 years, Sharon "Sherry" Powers, Bill is survived by their devoted daughter Amber Alberta (Matthew Riehlmann), grandsons Ben and Owen Alberta Riehlmann, brother Eric Alberta (Valerie Hoyt), sister Cerise Foster (John Debell) and vital extended family member Patrick Doty. He was predeceased by his son, Ian Alberta. Bill fostered many close relationships and will be dearly missed by coffee mates Brian Earle, Bill Armstrong and Tom Ruscitti, Tuesday night dinner companions from neighboring Longhouse Coop, and assorted friends he supported with his warm heart and open nature. Bill leaves behind fond memories often rooted in wry humor, a source of comfort to those fortunate to know Bill whose love for humankind is inspirational.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Sage Chapel on Tuesday, October 20th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Elves Program. Please contribute directly to an Elf Leader (elves.cornell.edu) or send a check, made payable to: “The Elves,” 751 Elm St. Ext. Ithaca, NY 14850.