Albert Tanner

Albert Tanner, a longtime resident of Haddon Twp., NJ, passed away peacefully in his sleep at UMC Collingswood in Collingswood, NJ on Thursday, March 28, 2024 after a brief illness.  Born in Jersey City, NJ on April 22, 1939, Al is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Bobbi, sons Michael (Gail) of Columbus, OH and Christopher (Sherry) of Athens, GA, sister, Elizabeth Tanner, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Al grew up in Tenafly, NJ, and attended Tenafly High School, where he earned letters in track and football.  An indifferent student at first, his life was turned around in 10th grade when a teacher there, noticing his potential, convinced him to prepare a lesson and then present it to the class.  He did and realized immediately that he had found his calling.   His focus changed, his grades shot up, and upon graduation in the spring of 1957, he matriculated at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) as an education major.

While at Glassboro State, Al played varsity soccer and semi-professional football while pursuing his degree.  In the fall of 1959, he met Barbara Ann “Bobbi” Thalmann, a freshman from Audubon, asked her out twice, and twice was told no.   He asked her out a third time.   This time, she said yes.   They became engaged two years later, and married on January 26, 1963 at St. Rose of Lima Church in Haddon Hts., NJ.

Having graduated in 1961, Al began his teaching career at Edgewood Regional High School in Winslow Twp., NJ.  He stayed there for three years before accepting a job at Haddon Twp. High School.   There, his career flourished.   Al was a dynamic, innovative, demanding yet caring teacher and coach who was as proud of the Humanities course he developed and nurtured as he was of the multiple state championship cross country and track and field teams that he led.   Possessed with a booming voice and unyielding energy, Al had a knack for seeing potential in the unlikeliest of people and places, was tireless in making you see it, too, and then relentlessly worked, occasionally by unconventional means, to pull it to the surface, whether the field of play was the classroom or the cross-country course.   If you knew Al Tanner, you almost certainly have an Al Tanner story.

In 1977, Al moved on to Moorestown High School in Moorestown, NJ, where he taught history and economics.  In 1987, he was named the New Jersey Economics Educator of the Year.   He became the chairman of the Social Studies department, coached track and field and cross country, and in 1995 retired from education, serving as an assistant track coach for a few seasons at Haddonfield High School.   He later was enshrined in the inaugural class of the Haddon Twp. High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and inducted in 2007 into the South Jersey Track and Field Hall of Fame.

A voracious reader of newspapers, magazines, and nonfiction who loved puns and the written word, Al spent his retirement years enjoying time with Bobbi, who he adored beyond measure.   He was a political junkie who relished the chance to argue his opinions but always allowed room for disagreement, rooted for Philadelphia sports teams with the same vigor that he employed as a coach, and was a sucker for any charity that helped the downtrodden and unfortunate.  Animals, especially cats, were dear to his heart.   He never turned away from anyone or anything in need.  He made a difference.

A celebration of Al's life will take place on Saturday, June 1st from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at The Taproom & Grill, 427 Crystal Lake Ave, Haddon Twp.  Attire will be casual and all are welcome to attend.

Arrangements by Jackson Funeral Home, Haddon Township, NJ www.jacksonfh.net