Arthur J. Albert, 81, a longtime suitmaker for Oxxford Clothes, died Saturday, March 2, of complications from emphysema in his Norridge home. Mr. Albert was born in New Jersey but moved to the Chicago area after being stationed at Ft. Sheridan during World War II. As a youth and during his Army days, Mr. Albert–even at 5-foot-5–was known for his skill on the basketball court. But he was best known for his work in the sewing room. He worked for 50 years at Oxxford, a downtown Chicago tailor shop founded in 1916 and known for expensive custom suits. Mr. Albert would purchase the woolens and oversee the cutting. “He loved the business,” his son Jack said. And it was a business he knew well. With a slight touch of the finger Mr. Albert could identify good material, and with a quick glance he could tell if your outfit matched, another son, Alan, said. Mr. Albert enjoyed sports and telling stories about the clientele–from Joe DiMaggio to Elvis Presley–who would drop by for a fitting or call in an order. Other survivors include two grandsons. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge.
