In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Albert De Sisto of Waverly, NY passed away Friday, September 23, 2011. Albert "Bougie" De Sisto was born on August 12, 1926.  He grew up on the East Side of Sayre, PA.  He was predeceased by his parents Guiseppina Murella and Vincenzo De Sisto.  The story of his life spans United States history from turn-of-the-century immigration to World War II and beyond. Bougie's parents were first-generation Italian immigrants.  At just 19 years old, Bougie's father, Vincenzo, came through the gates of Ellis Island seeking to make a new life.  Before long, he settled in Sayre and opened a grocery store and later worked for the railroad.  Guiseppina, still back in Italy, agreed to an arranged marriage set up by her cousin, who was already in the U.S.  Guiseppina never had a chance to meet Vincenzo before their engagement; she was what some refer to as a "picture bride."  She came to America and married Vincenzo and raised a family of three: Albert, Fern and Louie. Bougie was anxious to see the world and serve his country, and he wasn't going to let anyone tell him when he was old enough to do so!  So at just 16 years old, he boarded a bus from Elmira to Buffalo, clutching a somewhat-questionable birth certificate.  He was sworn in to the Navy on Sept 18, 1942.   He began his Naval career aboard a mine-sweeper 300 miles off the coast of Staten Island, where the Germans had been laying mines.  From there, he was transferred to an airbase in Trenton, New Jersey, where he found his true calling in the Navy – baking!  Eventually, he was transferred back to sea near Mobile, Alabama.  In July of 1944, his ship, the USS Burias, landed in Saipan after the invasion, where they anchored for about a year. After the war, Bougie's company went to Japan, and then back to the States.  The destroyer, USS Rowan, needed a baker, and he was chosen for the job.  He spent six months baking and delivering mail and different things before coming back to the States once again – this time docking in San Diego.  He served his country proudly, received the Victory Medal/American Campaign Asiatic Pacific, and finally received an honorable discharge March 14, 1946. Following his time in the Navy, Bougie came back to the Valley.  However, his adventurous nature and desire to see the country were still burning strong.  At age 19, he and a friend drove from Chicago to California and back on Route 66.  From there, he moved to New York City.  He worked in his cousin's pizzeria on 139th street, and shared an apartment with him in Yonkers.  Eventually, he moved to Hell's Kitchen in Manhattan in order to attend butcher school.  Over the years, he traveled around the country living and working only for a few months in each place, but he stayed the longest in New York City.  He acquired various skills during this time; he was a butcher, baker and yes…even a shoemaker. After his travels, Bougie returned to the Valley, this time for good.  He worked for Bendix for 26 years, and won several awards for ideas on how to better improve the company.  In 1950, he married Jeanette Narsh, a nurse at Packer Hospital, and they raised two children, Vincent and Sharon. Bougie enjoyed bowling, horse racing and sports.  He loved to gamble on the horses and was an avid sports enthusiast.  It seemed like Al was a part owner of OTB because he spent so much time there!  He was also a lifetime member of the Sons of Italy, which his father co-founded.  He held one of the longest memberships, serving as an officer at various times for over 40 years, and working bingo for over 20 years.   Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars since 1946. Bougie had life-long friendships and an adoring family.  He will be remembered by his family and friends for his charismatic personality, his strong will, and his ability to bring joy and laughter to everyone he met. He is survived by: wife Jeanette (Narsh); son Vincent (wife: Alisa), daughter Sharon Rogers, sister Fern Cobb,  grandchildren, Amy, Trudy, Nichole, Sara, Angela, and Vincent Jr. also, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Graveside Service will be held at St. James Cemetery, Saturday October 1st at 2:00pm. Following will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Sons of Italy at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 cancer.org. Arrangements are with the Luckner Funeral Home 449 Park Avenue Waverly NY. Please visit TheLucknerFuneralHome.com to sign the book of condolence.