Albert Real's Obituary
Albert Real, Resident of Oakland born August 6, 1923 – June 23, 2018 Passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2018, at the age of 94 in the company of his loving family. Al was born in Oakland, California to Tima and Andy Real on August 6, 1923. As a young boy, Al delivered for the Post Enquirer, shined shoes and sold the Liberty 5 Cents, Saturday Evening Post Magazines and Call Bulletin newspaper at the Fruitvale Southern Pacific station every night. When he graduated from Fremont High school in Oakland, Al enlisted into the US Navy in 1942. While under service for the US Navy, he attended the University of Minnesota, School of Electrical Engineering. He then served on the USS Coffman Destroyer in 1943. In 1944 he enrolled in submarine school in New London, Connecticut and after served on Pacific Submarine Squadron 4 in Pearl Harbor. After receiving an honorable discharge and returning to Oakland, he became a member of IBEW Local 595 in 1946. One of his first Journeymen, Jess Barsballe, invited Al to dinner one evening to meet his daughter Patricia. Albert and Patricia were married on August 15, 1951 in Sonoma, CA. They made their home in Oakland where he became very active at St. Anthony’s their son’s school and church. He served 5 years as CYO Athletic Director, also coaching basketball and baseball. He was head of Holy Names Men’s Society for many years. Throughout these years Al was also a very dedicated Union member. He served on the Executive Board for 25 years and also was Secretary of Local 595 for many years. He attended various international conventions. He recently received his 75 year membership pin in 2017.
During his retirement years, he enjoyed playing golf, volunteered for prison ministry, he and his wife Patricia ran a food locker for St. Vincent de Paul at St. Anthony’s for several years. He was always busy with home projects – the last, building himself a man cave. He loved to dance swing and jitterbug at social events and he could be caught dancing up until he was 93!
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia to whom he was married for almost 60 years and his brother Fred Real. He is survived by his sons Michael (wife Connie), Steven (wife Susana) and John (wife Amanda); 7 grandchildren (Dan, David, Jim, Jessica, Josie, Sophia, Jesse); and two great grandchildren, Sam and Amelia, and close friend, Pauline Williams.
Al had great faith and was devoted to the Blessed Mother. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation starting at 4 p.m., with Rosary at 7 p.m., on July 9, 2018 at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on July 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Jarlath’s Catholic Church located at 2620 Pleasant St. Oakland, CA 94602. Luncheon reception immediately following Mass at church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital and/or the American Cancer Society.
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