Andres Albano, Jr., former University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents vice chair and a long-time local real estate investment professional died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 81.
Born in Wahiawā, Albano was a loving husband, devoted father, faithful friend and loyal son and sibling. He was known for his kind and compassionate spirit, as well as supporting and guiding others in his many endeavors.
Supporting his belief in the power of education, he served on the UH Board of Regents from 2004 to 2013. He was elected vice chairman 2007–08 and was chairman of the task group on public/private partnerships, and the steering committee on finance and facilities. He also served as vice chair on the Board of Directors for Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi.
Albano earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from UH Mānoa.
“Andres was a giving person and would do just about anything for the things he believed in,” said College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka.“Andres and [his wife] Sandy were amazing people and I benefited tremendously from having developed a friendship with them early in my career. So it was no surprise when he was asked to serve on the Board of Regents by Gov. Lingle, even though he knew how much work it takes to serve as a UH Regent on top of how busy he already was, he offered himself and served the university proudly. His engineering background was what really gave him his leadership and problem solving capabilities because he was always steady, even-keeled, informed, and deliberative in his approach.”
With 40 years of commercial real estate experience, Albano was recognized as one of the top advisors for investment land sales in the state. Albano was senior vice president of CB Richard Ellis, Inc. (CBRE) and headed the Government Real Estate Advisory Group in Hawaiʻi. He was instrumental in representing large landowners such as James Campbell Company, C. Brewer and Company, Dole Food Company and AMFAC Land Company.
He was described by a fellow CBRE executive as a “local real estate legend who was the best human being. I didn’t know anyone who lived a fuller life.”
Prior to working in real estate, Albano started his career as a nuclear power engineer for Naval Reactors at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. He also worked as an electrical engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration and as an electrical engineer for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughters Cheryl Nathanson and Denise Albano, son-in-law, Andrew Nathanson, grandson, Nainoa Nathanson, mother, Florence Albano, and four siblings, James, Roland, Robert and Mary.
Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Queen’s Medical Center’s Cancer Center or Medical ICU.
