Paul Andrew Albright, 55, of Elgin, Illinois passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2022 after a brave battle with esophageal cancer. He was born November 12, 1966, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton, Ohio to Gary and Joan Albright. Paul graduated from Greenville High School in 1984 where he was a multi-sport athlete and played cello in the orchestra. After high school, Paul attended Miami University (OH) and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Paper Science & Engineering in 1988. Paul traveled around the country working in various paper mills and engineering companies before eventually settling in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1997 Paul became the proud father of his only son Andrew (Andy) and served as his volunteer youth baseball and basketball coach for many years. Paul loved to play golf with family, friends and clients and was well known for his long drives and aggressive putting style.
Paul began playing volleyball in the early 90’s, and this turned into a lifelong passion for volleyball refereeing. Known as one of the top FIVB International Volleyball referees in the world, Paul traveled the globe working the highest levels of competition including several men’s and women’s World Championships, Olympic Qualifiers, World League, Volleyball Nations League and more. He also officiated domestically for all levels of indoor and beach volleyball, including countless NCAA Women’s Division I Volleyball Championship assignments and two Final Four appearances. He also officiated many Paralympic events throughout his career.
In addition to his accolades as a referee, Paul cherished every opportunity to give back to his volleyball family through training and education, influencing the careers of countless volleyball officials in the United States and around the world. Paul was the 2021 Honor Award recipient from the Professional Association of Volleyball (PAVO) and was inducted into the PAVO Hall of Fame.
Paul is survived by his wife Devonie McLarty; son Andrew (Renee) Albright; father Gary Albright; siblings Laura (Bob) Moore, Mike (Barbara) Albright, and Mark (Lisa) Albright; nieces and nephews Candice DeBoer, Chase and Erin Albright, Maggie and Ryan Moore, Abbigail and Emily Albright; great-niece Emilie DeBoer; and former spouse June Albright.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Joan Albright; niece Andrea Clark; and nephew in-law Eric DeBoer.
Paul’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to our care teams from Transitions Hospice, University of Chicago, Illinois Cancer Specialists and Advocate Sherman Cancer Institute.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Transitions Hospice, 1551 Bond Street, Suite 143, Naperville, IL 60563, or the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials, PO Box 780, Oxford, KS 67119 pavo@pavo.org