Cara Melissa Albright
December 18, 1974 - July 7, 2025
Cara Melissa Albright was born on December 18, 1974 in Syracuse, New York. She died on July 7, 2025 with family by her side after a valiant fight with metastatic breast cancer. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard Albright Jr.; grandparents Angelo Raffaele, Groviene Raffaele, Thelma Albright, and Richard Albright Sr.; and her aunt, Jean Martin.
Cara spent her early childhood in Geneva, New York and the connections that she made with friends and family lasted through myriad moves around the country. At an early age, she began reading and learning and never stopped. She learned violin at age 5, and continued playing in orchestras and chamber groups through college. Cara loved music, and her favorites ran the gamut from Beethoven concertos to Phish and INXS. She loved going to outdoor music festivals and learned to play the ukulele and mandolin later in life so that she could jam with friends around the campfire.
Whether communing with friends or on solo trips, Cara loved nature. She was athletic seemingly from birth and an early love of soccer, running, swimming and lacrosse led to hiking, skiing, camping and canoeing as an adult. If there was a lake, beach, or water park within driving distance, Cara had to experience it. (Even better if there was an ice cream shop, or 3, to stop at along the drive.)
A graduate of Newark High School and the United States Naval Academy, Cara then served in the Navy on the USS Kearsarge and the USS Eisenhower. While serving as a surface warfare officer aboard those ships, she traveled the Mediterranean and even to Western Africa. The bonds that she formed with her fellow officers would last a lifetime and beyond.
After leaving the Navy as a Lieutenant, she returned to her high school Alma Mater and taught physics and math at Newark High School. She threw herself into teaching and was committed to making creative and engaging lesson plans for her students. She also coached field hockey and helped with the cross-country teams. Being back in the school environment, Cara realized she had more to learn and moved on to further her own academic dreams at Villanova University.
Cara relocated to the Philadelphia area to pursue graduate research in environmental engineering. Her Ph.D. thesis was on water monitoring for green infrastructure in an inner-city rain garden in Philadelphia. In the summers, she led a water resource management project in Alberta, Canada. She also traveled to Thailand with Engineers Without Borders and worked to bring clean water to rural areas. Her work set the foundation for many generations of grad students at Villanova.
After completing her doctorate, Cara found herself working at the Pentagon as a data analyst for the Air Force. As a proud USNA graduate, this caused some friendly rivalries to arise at work, especially around the Navy vs. Air Force football game. Cara remained dedicated to her USNA class of ‘96 and served as the alumni class secretary. Her epic contributions as a ‘96 class football tailgate organizer will go down in history. She drove to almost every home game with towering crock pots full of dips, meatballs, pulled pork and enough deviled eggs to feed the plebe class. The 1996 class tent has become a well-known post-game stop for midshipmen and her hard work, amazing cooking, and infectious positivity will be greatly missed.
Beyond school and work, Cara was interested in so many things it would be impossible to list them all. She was a patriot, an avid runner, and a cat rescuer. A true engineer at heart, she was always ready with her tool box and a “can do” attitude to build whatever needed building. Whether it was a Lego set, or an IKEA Kallax bookshelf, she was more than equal to the challenge.
Not to be boxed in by stereotypical definitions of science scholars, Cara was also an artist and a creator. She loved to draw and was an avid quilter, crocheter and knitter. She had a keen eye for color and design, and thrived on trying out challenging new patterns. Many of her creations were gifted to friends and family throughout her lifetime.
Cara made friends wherever she went and truly followed through on promises to “keep in touch”. She wrote letters, sent cards, and mailed birthday presents and care packages to friends and family all over the world. Her smile lit up the room at any gathering, and her “tiny but mighty” presence will be forever remembered by so many.
Cara is missed by her mother, Linda Raffaele; her siblings, Ben Albright, Leah Roche (Daniel) and Matt Albright; as well as extended family and friends around the globe.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to an environmental organization or veteran’s charity of your choosing.
Darlene
Cara brightened the world of everyone she met and now our world is a little more dim. I send all my love to your family. She is so missed.
Rebecca Gordon Tallarico
My sweet cousin we had so many great memories from our childhood at Grammy‘s house. I got to see you a few years ago at mom and dad‘s 50th. I love you. I miss you. I saw a hummingbird the other day and thought of you always in my heart. I’m sorry I couldn’t see you before you left. Much love your cousin – rebecca
Eric Pedersen
As Leah’s neighbor, I was the lucky enough to befriend Cara. Her visits with her sister were often , making her feel like a neighbor herself.
Cara always insisted I sample her tailgate offerings which were with out fail, fantastic … she always downplayed what a great cook she was !
I will missed the relaxed conversations I had with Cara and only wish I had gotten to know her better
Brian
Extremely grateful for all Cara did in support of the class as an officer and tailgating legend. Her acts of service and friendship were very meaningful to all of us. She will be deeply missed and well remembered.
Dave & Jen
We were heartbroken to hear about Cara’s passing. Her smile could brighten the darkest room, and her heart for others was unmatched. She was an 8-Ball (USNA ‘96) Legend—through and through—and her spirit left a mark on everyone she met.
We overwhelmed with gratitude to have known her and are deeply inspired by the life she lived. May her memory continue to shine as brightly as she did.
Jeremy Hartsock
Dearest Cara, the 3 years we spent together at Villanova – living in the lab; those were the best days. You were the most selfless person I’ve ever met, always looking out for others first. I think about you every time I hear Race Among the Ruins, She’s Got the Look, and any Blood on the Tracks tune. You touched the lives of so many. I wish I could hug you one last time and say thank you dear friend ❤️
Eryn Travis
I have such fond memories of Cara from high school. I remember our drives to NHS together and time o. XC and LAX. I’m grateful we caught up a few years ago for a walk at valley forge where we chatted about doctoral programs. I will miss her.
Hallie Boyle Sianni
My sister Heather and I were in the violin section of the Delaware Youth Orchestra with Cara in the ’80s. She had a vivacious presence, and is one of the only students I remember from that organization. (Heather passed in 2023, at 48.) Cara’s family has my deepest sympathies on the loss of someone so young.
Betsy Allee
I’m so grateful and honored that Cara was in my life. I understood and have memory to go with every word of this beautiful tribute.
From listening to her violin practice, storing pints of ice cream on the window ledge in winter, meeting up with her to browse museums, witnessing her collection of crock pots, receiving her thoughtful letters, and hiking beautiful central New York scenery, I am so lucky to have been her roommate and classmate all those years age.
Cara was a steadfast friend, an intelligent, kind, thoughtful thinker, and an optimistic light for all who knew her. Rest in peace my amazing friend.
Jacqueline Popma
To Cara’s family,
I want to extend my deepest condolences for your loss. Cara was a beautiful soul, and I can attest to the fact hat Cara’s care and generosity extended far beyond her family. A memory that comes to mind during my time at Villanova. Cara and I got together many times throughout the semester so I could learn how to make a quilt. I had never sewed much before so this was quite a challenge for me. And for anyone who has quilted before, eye for detail is important. And Cara always had a great eye for detail. We would sort through fabric scraps, eat mac&cheese and lots of icecream, and work on the sewing projects. She truly was the most generous and encouraging, opened her home to me, and was patient and encouraging as I struggled through my quilt. The quilt came out beautiful and I will forever cherish it. Our adventures in the Canadian wilderness are too many to name but Cara knew how to get the job done, always, even (and especially) when things were tough she found a way to make it fun.
Cara will always hold a special place in my heart.
Hill Family
Our deepest sympathies to your family for the loss of one so young and so gifted.
Mary Sherman
So sorry to lose Cara at such a young age. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Mary Sherman
Kurt Weissgerber
Cara was one of our favorite people. We will remember doing multiple running events with her and the regular times she would send postcards or thoughtful gifts. Our kids still have the quilts and bags she made and sent to them. She will be missed as a shining beacon of positivity in our lives.
Mel McGuire
Cara, thank you for all that you did for me and SES management…we made a great team and I will treasure those times and your friendship forever. You will be missed beyond words and so many tears all of us will shed. To your family, my deepest sympathies on your loss of Cara. She was a beautiful, super talented and smart and caring Airman, civil servant, friend to all and a lady whose smile and laughter will stay in our hearts forever. God Bless and prayers always. Melanie
Marie McManus
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Cara’s passing. I kept her in my thoughts and prayers often over these past few years as she was battling Cancer. Over the years, from high school and college and beyond, we had so many laughs and good times together. Even if it had been awhile since our last time catching up, Cara always greeted you with a big smile and hug! She was always happy and I can still see her big smile and hear her excitement and laughter about whatever Cara, my sister Michele, our friends Carolyn, Eryn and Debbie were talking about. When she got accepted to the Naval Academy we were all so proud of her; and of all that she accomplished over the years after college. She was such a smart, talented, disciplined, athletic woman and I always admired that about her. I had hoped we would have many many more years of friendship. She was taken from us all way too soon. I will keep Cara’s mom, sister, brother’s and her extended family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Cara, thank you for being the bright light that you were in all of our lives. Love, Marie
Ilya Lehrman
I have vague memories of high school, having switched continents around that time, but I do remember Cara well; somehow her presence and infectious smile cut through the fog and stayed with me all these years. Looks like she developed into an even more extraordinary individual and continued to affect people in the best possible ways!
Jenn
Cara’s light shined bright on all that she touched. I loved how genuine, kind, and generous she was. I will miss our warm conversations and her infectious positivity. She was the best of us—the embodiment of love, service, and joy! ❤️
Ahmed Monib
Cara was my good friend in High school. Although we weren’t great about keeping in touch over the years, I remember those days fondly. May she rest in peace, in God’s embrace. This life is fleeting, so we’ll get another chance to see her before we know it. My condolences to her family. May they find peace and tranquility in these difficult days. ❤️❤️❤️
Patricia Barnthouse
My deepest condolences to you Linda and your family. As part of the Newark High School Family I saw the special place Cara held in your heart and truly enjoyed seeing her become a teacher of such talent. So very sorry and will keep you in my heart and prayers.
Scott Kaplan
I cannot express how deeply sorry I am to hear about Cara’s passing. Cara was a dear friend and colleague during the time we spent together at Newark High School. Though it has been many years since we have spoken, I will feel an emptiness in my heart knowing she is no longer with us.
Brett Tomashek
Cara once made me a super cool blanket – a Phillies themed one with hundreds of red P’s all over it. She was that kind of friend. Thoughtful, giving, and creative, and indeed, I still use that blanket in the winter. I’ll miss her…
Lisa Ueltzhoffer
Cara was an amazing brilliant soul. My sincere condolences to her mom, Linda, and family. Cara accomplished so much in her lifetime. Truly inspirational.
Flo Rieman
Linda,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Flo Rieman
Sally
Linda, so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Susan Mitchell
Cara’s life was well lived but too short. As a Newark High she was one of the most cheerful colleagues I had the pleasure of working with. She cared so much. I also knew Linda and her kids from church. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you. May you find strength and peace through each other as your sorrow melts into memories of Cara.
Matt Hammond
So sorry to hear this. Cara and I coached lacrosse together at Newark High back in the day. She always had a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She was a wonderful colleague to work with and a great role model as well.
Dale Sarapulski
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers and sympathy for Linda and your family. I hope the memories you have with Cara can somehow bring you some comfort and peace.
Fernando Harris
Cara, lived a full and beautiful life. Her life was a testament and example for all to see. Her legacy lives on in all the lives she touched. We in the class of ’96 were blessed to have her as a classmate.
Tom Donovan
Thank you Cara for showing us all what it means to be a friend. Your positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm set the example. Fair winds friend.
Third Verse
“Four years together by the Bay
Whеre Severn joins thе tide
Then by the Service called away
We’re scattered far and wide
But still when two or three shall meet
And old tales be retold
From low to highest in the Fleet
We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold”
Peggy Dillner
Linda,
I am just seeing this now. How very sad for you and extended family and friends. I am sending virtual hugs!
Erica Forgione
I worked with Cara while she was completing her PhD. She worked so hard to earn that degree and somehow still had time to bring in so many elaborate baked goods to share with everyone! I’m not surprised to read about so many other accomplishments, adventures, and friends she had outside of her academic time. Sending my love and condolences to her family and friends.
Chris Dennison
Cara was such a kindred spirit…maybe it was the shared birthday. I actually had just been thinking of fond memories of Cara when we hung out in high school. So sad to see her passing.
James Maio
God bless you Linda. My thoughts are with you. She was one brilliant young lady.
Jim Maio