Dr. Albert Johnston Gale, 85, of Sarasota, Florida and New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away peacefully in 2025 at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, CT surrounded by his wife, Ann, his son, Max, and best friend, Kris, after facing Pulmonary Fibrosis with remarkable strength, grace, and positivity. Albert lived in New Canaan for 23 years.
Albert Johnston Gale
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1940 to Enoch Ralph Gale II and Ruth Maxwell Gale, Albert (known as “Buddy” in his youth) was the fifth of six children. He is the last of his siblings to pass. He spent his childhood and youth in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. After graduating from Rehoboth Beach High School in 1959, he proudly served in the United States Air Force as a medic in Germany and later in Norfolk, Virginia.
Albert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware in 1967, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Indiana University/Purdue and later completed his Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2015 at age 75, graduating with honors from the Delta Mu Delta, Lamboa Sigma Chapter.
His distinguished career in healthcare administration spanned over 35 years, serving as Chief Executive Officer and Facility Manager for numerous hospitals and healthcare organizations across the United States. His experience included leadership roles in Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Washington, Idaho, and New Jersey. Albert’s international work took him to Bangladesh, where he oversaw the construction and management of a medical/surgical hospital.
In his later years, Dr. Gale dedicated himself to academia as a contributing faculty member at the University of Phoenix and Walden University, teaching Healthcare Management, Leadership, and Strategic Planning. At Walden he was the course leader for the Marketing curriculum in the Master of Healthcare program. His research on multinational workforces in hospital operations led to several publications. He and his wife Dr. Ann Armstrong are well published having created and validated an instructional design model.
Dr. Gale published his last book chapter with Ann in early 2025. The book was on Artificial Intelligence and is titled A guide for qualitative researchers using Large Language Models with representative examples using ChatGPT. In C.A. Prokopis (Ed.), Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social research. United Kingdom: CABI https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9781800626607.0000
Albert also mentored many doctoral students throughout their dissertation processes during his academic career. Additionally, he was a certified Dale Carnegie Trainer and franchise owner from 2010-2017.
An avid outdoorsman, Albert was passionate about backpacking and hiking, exploring trails from Alaska to Costa Rica, and finally to Machu Picchu in Peru. His love for the water manifested in sailing, boating, fishing, and kayaking adventures with his friends and family. In Sarasota, he was a member of the Freedom boating club, and he enjoyed captaining boats for outings with family and friends.
His lifelong commitment to spiritual growth, healthy eating and living, and his mindful choice to abstain from alcohol shaped his later years was evidenced in all aspects of his life. In 2007 Albert spearheaded himself and Ann attending the Institute of Integrative Nutrition/Teachers College Columbia University program where they earned certificates as Holistic Health Counselors. The two-year intensive program was life transforming for them both.
Albert is survived by his wife and partner of 25 years, Ann Armstrong; his son, Corey Maxwell “Max” Gale and his wife Jennifer; and his grandsons, Aidan Maxwell Gale and Miles Orion Gale; and his daughter, Trace Elizabeth Gale and her husband Cristian, and his friend and mother of his children, Lee Gale. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings, including his younger brother, William Gale who predeceased him by one year.
Albert and Ann started coming to Heritage Oaks Gulf and Country Club in 2013 and bought a Club Home in 2016. Albert served as President of Club Home I for a number of years and was an avid tennis player and enjoyed golf “Nine and Dine” events with his Ann and friends. He was blessed to have great friends and neighbors throughout his time at Heritage Oaks.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made with a memorial or honorarium contribution to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The family is also planning a special adventure to Rehoboth Beach in his memory, honoring his wish that they continue exploring the ocean and beach he so dearly loved.