Obituary of Albert B. Banks Sr.

Albert “Al” Benjamin Banks Sr., the son of Barbara Banks, and the late Reuben C. Banks, was born on January 6, 1971, in East Orange, NJ. Al professed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. He later became a member of the Clear View Baptist Church also in Newark, NJ. Al was educated in the East Orange and Irvington public school systems.

In the year of 1985, Al met the love of his life, Melinda Renee’. On June 26,1993, at the tender age of 22, Al and Renee wed in holy matrimony. To this union three children were born. 

Al attended Gateway College for a period of time. Shortly thereafter he joined the workforce and worked dutifully at the Newark Airport for over 30 years.

Al was hired at Allied Fuelers, Newark Airport, in September 1989, as an Aircraft Fueler. He became active in the International Association of Machinist (IAM) in January 2000 attending his first union meeting. He quickly became the spokesperson for younger workers. He rose through the ranks and became a shop steward. He was very active in the Local Lodge 1445. His fellow employees, recognizing Al’s skill and dedication, elected him to the position of Chief Steward to resolve complaints and grievances on behalf of the union members. As the Chief Steward, Al was responsible for the labor contract negotiations and ensuring that the Allied employees’ voices were heard concerning wages, hours and working conditions. Al was a talented leader and was elected President, the highest position in Local Lodge 1445. As President, Al represented employees of Allied and also hundreds of airline workers at Newark Airport. He was re-elected every two years for two decades.

Brother Albert B. “AL” Banks, Sr., received his first Masonic Degree, the Entered Apprentice Degree, in Trinity Lodge No. 33, Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliation, Newark, NJ in December 1994 and he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on Saturday, May 13, 1995. After Serving on many committees and in several Appointed and Elected Offices in Trinity Lodge No. 33, Al was Nominated and Elected, and then Installed in June 2005 to Serve as the Worshipful Master of Trinity Lodge No. 33, F&AM, PHA for the Masonic year of 2005-2006. Al was Elected in June 2023 as the Treasurer of Trinity Lodge No. 33. Past Master Al Banks was appointed in June 2009 as Senior Grand Deacon, with the Title of Right Worshipful Brother, to Serve the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, State of New Jersey, by Most Worshipful Thomas R. Hughes, Sr., Grand Master. Al Served the Prince Hall Grand Lodge as Senior Grand Deacon for the Masonic Years 2009-2011.

Al was a former Member of Rising Sun Chapter No. 7, HOLY Royal Arch Masons, PHA, Newark, NJ, and was a current Member and Companion of Edward J. Reese, Jr. Chapter No. 17, HOLY Royal Arch Masons, PHA, of New Brunswick, NJ

Al received his 32nd Degree in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and became a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret and a Member of Sardonias Consistory No. 41, Valley of Newark, NJ, Orient of New Jersey. 

Illustrious Brother Albert B. Banks, Sr., received his 33rd Degree in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, December 10, 2022, and became a Grand Inspector General of the 33rd and Last Degree, under the LeRoy Lassiter Class of 2022, and a member of Washington Consistory No. 300, of the United Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the 33rd and Last Degree of Freemasonry, for the United States of America and Its Jurisdictions, Inc., Prince Hall Affiliated, Grand Orient at Washington, DC.  Al was Created a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and a Son of the Desert in August 2007, and became a Member of Khufu Temple No. 120, Princeton, NJ (now Trenton, NJ). Al Served in several Appointed and Elected Offices in the temple, and on Saturday, December 14, 2013 he was Nominated, Elected and Installed as the Illustrious Potentate of Khufu Temple No. 120, and Served for the Shrine Year 2014, and was a member of the “ORANGE CRUSH” Illustrious Potentate Class of 2014.nPast Potentate (PP) Al Banks previously Served Khufu Temple No. 120 as the President of the Past Potentate Council.

Al was currently serving the Imperial Council of the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine, Inc. (AEAONMS), as the Administrative Assistant to the Imperial Chief Rabban, PP Noble Thomas R. Hughes, Sr.

Al was a Member of Trinity Chapter No. 14, Order of the Eastern Star, Newark, NJ, joining the chapter in 2001, and he Served the Chapter as Worthy Patron in 2007-2008.

Al was a former member and Knight of Ruth Court No. 5, Heroines of Jericho, Newark, NJ.

Brother Al Banks was also a Member of Witherspoon Lodge No. 178, Improved Benevolent Protective Order of ELKS of the World (IBPOEW), of Princeton, NJ, where he was currently Serving as the Esquire. He also was a Member of the Past Exalted Rulers (PER) Council No. 20 of the Middle District of New Jersey, IBPOEW, where he was currently Serving as the Forrester for the Council.

In 2005, Al became a transplant recipient from his father-in-law, Rev. Samuel Johnson. Al was inspired to be a volunteer and spokesperson for the Sharing Network for many years.

On Saturday, July 1st, 2023, AL finished his earthly work and is now resting in the arms of his savior. He was preceded in death by: his father, Reuben C.Banks and nephew Anthony Taylor. Al leaves to cherish his loving memory: his beautiful wife, Melinda Renee’ Banks, children Alexus, Albert Jr., and Anjila; grandchildren Aden and Alea; his mother, Barbara Banks, his sister, Rosalyn Taylor (Antonio), Godchildren, Rashan (nephew) Malcolm (nephew) and Amaya Burse; Aunts Gayle Bennett and Lucinda (Don); Uncles George Banks Jr., Kenneth Banks and Donnell Banks; other nephews, Reuben, Mason, and Myles; in-laws Rev. Samuel and JoeAnn Johnson, sister in law, LaTonya Hearns; special friends; Andy Strange, Francisco Ibaceta, Dawud Washington, Minister Dave Daughety and a host of other relatives, friends and Masonic brothers and sisters.