NORWAY – Albert C. Yemma, 97 of Stoneham died Friday, Nov. 5, at the Norway Rehabilitation and Living Center.

He was born in Maynard, Mass., July 17, 1907, one of six brothers and six sisters. An immigrant son of Salvatore and Catherina Yemma, he attended schools in Haverhill, Mass., and lived in Haverhill for 70 years.

During the years of World War II, he was employed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as a blacksmith. With his brothers, he founded Yemma Brothers Construction Co. in Groveland, Mass., and worked there for 32 years before retiring in 1977.

He was a lover of the outdoors and a concerned environmentalist. His happiest times were spent at his summer home on Keewayden Lake in Stoneham, where he could enjoy the wildlife, including the call of the loon. He resided there during the summer weekends while working, and retired there permanently in 1977.

He was married to Gertrude May Frost Yemma, who predeceased him in 1988.

He was a loving father to Salvatore (Gus) and his wife, Adrienne; his daughter, Delores (Burke) and her husband, Everett; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He leaves one brother, James, of Florida; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He will be missed for his strength, outgoing personality, love of life, and vivid storytelling.