Donald G. “Don” Albert, age 86, passed away September 30, 2026, in Indialantic, Florida.

Don was born in New York City on May 18, 1940, the son of Harold and Rose Albert. He grew up in the Bronx before moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, at the age of 16. He graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1958 and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University. In 1962, he moved to Brevard County, where he would build a distinguished career in education and leadership and make his home for more than six decades.

Don began his career in 1962 as Band Director at Melbourne High School. Over the next 10 years, he built a highly regarded music program that included marching, symphonic and concert bands, as well as two jazz bands. Under his direction, the Melbourne High bands earned an extraordinary record of Superior ratings at district and state festivals. In 1968, Melbourne High became the first school in Florida to have both its Symphonic Band and Concert Band earn Superior ratings at the State Band Festival in the same year. His Marching Band earned Straight Superior ratings for all 10 years of his tenure, while the Symphonic Band earned Superior ratings at the District Band Festival for his final seven consecutive years and at the State Band Festival for his final five. The Mel-Hi band program came to be regarded as one of the finest in the state.

In recognition of his contributions, the City of Melbourne proclaimed June 7, 1971, Donald G. Albert Day.

In 1972, Don moved into school administration as Assistant Principal at Eau Gallie High School. He later served as Principal of Central Junior High from 1982–1984, Stone Junior High from 1984–1987, and Satellite High School from 1987–1992. Throughout his years as an administrator, he remained deeply committed to creating opportunities for students and developing outstanding educators.

He was especially proud of his work supporting the Science Research programs at Central, Stone and Satellite. In 1991, Don received the State of Florida Commissioner’s Principal Achievement Award and was selected to the State Principals Hall of Fame. At Satellite High School, he hired and mentored science research and Advanced Placement teacher Tracey Bailey, who went on to be named District, Florida and National Teacher of the Year. Don and Camille later joined Tracey and his wife at the White House, where Tracey was honored by President Bill Clinton in a Rose Garden ceremony.

Don’s influence as an educator extended beyond the schools he led. He served on the adjunct faculties of Brevard Community College, Florida Institute of Technology, Nova University and the East Central Florida Management Training Institute.

After leaving public education in 1992, Don began a new chapter at the Harris Corporate Center for Training and Development, where he taught leadership and management and eventually became a Senior Instructor responsible for developing instructional staff.

In 1999, Don launched his own business as an independent consultant and formed a successful partnership with Curtis Curry, president of Quality Learning International. His work took him throughout the United States and around the world, presenting leadership and management programs for organizations including Harris Corporation, United Space Alliance and Ricoh Corporation. From 2001 to 2010, he also served as an adjunct instructor in the Executive Education Department at Rollins College.

Through every chapter of Don’s career, Camille was his partner and constant source of love and support. Don and Camille shared 48 years of marriage, and a life filled with family, friendships and many wonderful experiences together. They were lifelong Florida State University supporters and members of the Eau Gallie Yacht Club since 1994, where Camille was an active tennis member for many years.

Above all, Don leaves behind a family who knew him in a way that no list of professional accomplishments could capture. He is survived by Camille, his wife of 48 years; his four children, Ed Guilbeau (Jan), Danielle Hinkle, Amanda Moore (Bart), and Carrie Albert (Julie); nine grandchildren, Hailey, Elena, Evan, Nick, Eddie, Aria, Zack (Courtney), Jonathan, and Cameron; and four great-grandchildren.

Don’s life was one of leadership, education and service. From the young band director who built one of Florida’s most respected high school music programs, to the principal who championed students and teachers, to the leadership instructor whose work took him around the world, he spent his life helping people develop their talents and become better at what they did. His impact lives on in the students, educators and colleagues he influenced - and, most importantly, in the family he loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chabad of the Space Coast or Melbourne High School Band.