On March 3, 2021, Alberta Rose Britzke (Beccaccio, Drake) passed away peacefully in her sleep from complications of Covid-19. Alberta was born on July 11, 1933 to Albert and Catherine (Murphy) Beccaccio. Alberta was a lifelong resident of Newburgh, New York and a 1951 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy. Albie, as she was known to her family and friends, was there to greet you when she worked at the Newburgh Chamber of Commerce, Evening News, or American Felt & Filter. She always had a smile on her face, in her voice, and never met a stranger.
Besides her parents, Alberta is preceded in death by her beloved son, Kerry James Drake; her little brother, as she always referred to him, Livio “Al” Beccaccio; and her second husband Ronald Britzke.
Alberta is survived by her devoted son Matthew Drake, Sr., of Newburgh, his children Haley and Matthew Drake, Jr., of Marlboro, wife of Kerry Drake (deceased) Charlotte Drake of Ardonia, children A.J. (Dawn) Drake of Wingdale, Katelynn (Mike) van Zutphen of Pleasant Valley, and Dominique Drake of Marlboro. Great-grandchildren Arianna and Daniella Drake and Colin and Emily van Zutphen. Albie is also survived by her loving “little” sister, Catherine (Wayne) Hensley of Stockbridge, GA, and sister-in-law Anne (Al) Beccaccio of Fullerton, CA. Nieces and nephews Lisa (James) Beccaccio Lupton, Albert Beccaccio, Edward (Janice) Beccaccio, Chris (Janny) Beccaccio, John (Abbi) Beccaccio, Piper (Steve) Hensley James and Michael Hensley. There are also many great nieces, nephews, and cousins that she cared for deeply. Alberta is also survived by her ex-husband Donald Drake.
Alberta was a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary’s Church, Marlboro, NY and was never happier than when she had her family surrounding her. Loved by many, friend to all, she will be greatly missed.
Memorial visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m. on Monday, March 22 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, with burial following in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh.