Albert S. Previte, Jr., died peacefully Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Brigham & Women‘s Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 83 years old.
Albert was born in Somerville, MA, the son of Sicilian immigrants, Albert S. and Sarah J. (Amante) Previte. When Albert was a young boy, his family moved to Lawrence and opened a flower shop, Previte the Florist. Albert worked as a florist, making arrangements and delivering flowers, supporting the family’s business throughout his school years. He attended Lawrence public schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1945.
A veteran of World War II, Albert served in the United States Army. Through the benefits of the G.I. Bill, he pursued his education at Suffolk University, and graduated from Suffolk Law School. In 1952, Albert passed the bar exam before completing his final year of law school. He was admitted to practice law by the Supreme Judicial Court in 1953, when he began his nearly 60 year-long career practicing law. Albert was also admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court, First Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the Federal Bar, and the Lawrence Bar Association. Albert loved the practice of law. He was engaged in numerous criminal and civil trials in numerous District and Superior Courts of the Commonwealth. He represented hundreds of clients pro bono, and often with little or no compensation. Albert also served as Counsel to the Lawrence Housing Authority from 1976-2010 as well as the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority in the 1970’s.
Albert also began his long and dedicated career in public service in 1953, both personally and behind the scenes, becoming an outstanding and highly respected Democratic leader. Albert was a member of the Lawrence City Democratic Committee from 1950-2003. At the age of 21, he was elected to the Lawrence School Committee, serving two terms from 1951-1954. At age 25 Albert was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate, representing the 5th Essex District, of Lawrence and Methuen from 1954-1956. He was the youngest person elected to serve on the School Committee and the youngest member of the Senate. He also served as Counsel to the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, John F. Thompson. Albert was elected state-wide delegate and Honorable Vice Chairman of to the 1956 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. The same year, then U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy came to Lawrence to speak on behalf of and endorse Albert’s candidacy for a second Massachusetts State Senate term. Albert was the driving force behind many democratic politicians both local and statewide. He received Special Congressional Recognition upon being recognized as the 2001 Democrat of the Year.
Besides his love for law and politics, Albert enjoyed horseracing, fishing, and vacationing with his family in York, Maine. He is survived by his beautiful loving wife of 50 years, Harriet A. (Kaatz) and their three children: daughter, Martha E. Previte and her fiance Walter N. Moulton; daughter Sarah Previte Hamilton (and son-in-law Richard Hamilton); and son, Albert S. Previte, III (and daughter-in-law Lisa (Prescott) Previte). He also leaves his devoted brother, Joseph J. Previte. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Anthony F. Previte, Robert W. Previte and sister Mary Previte. Albert was a proud grandfather to Samantha, William, Caroline and Aidan and a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.
Family and friends will be warmly received in the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen from 4-8 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Michael’s Church, 190 Main St., North Andover on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, Atty. Previte's family would request that memorial contributions may be made to support pediatric brain tumor research for his beloved granddaughter, Caroline. Donations may be made online at www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2012/teamchickaroo or by mailing a check made payable to Jimmy Fund PLGA Research, to the attention of Erica DeFreitas, Jimmy Fund Walk, 10 Brookline Avenue, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Methuen is honored to assist the family with arrangements.