Albert Mendizábal

Albert Mendizábal Aug. 26, 1933 - Jan. 28, 2008. Born in San Francisco, California to parents Seferino Mendizábal and Mari Lorono Mendizábal. He was the eldest of their 3 sons. The family moved to the Saratoga/Los Gatos area where they worked with the Jesuits at Sacred Heart Novitiate and Alma College and contributed to the rich heritage of Almaden Vineyards and the deep agricultural history of the Santa Clara Valley. Albert, an Army veteran and educator, was a proud graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory and San Jose State University. While in his third year of the pharmacy program at Cal Berkeley and working as a grade school coach for the summer, Albert discovered his true calling- teaching. He transferred to San Jose State, served 18 months of active duty in Korea, and returned as an Army reservist to complete the final semester to earn his degree. He began his career as a teacher, then counselor at William C. Overfelt High School. He was instrumental in beginning a program for home-visit counseling for at risk students at Overfelt and eventually retired as an award winning school administrator, Director of Special Education, from the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Al was an usher at St. John Vianney Catholic Church for over 20 years and a supporter of the local Boy Scout troop 222. He enjoyed working with people, especially children, good food, and good friends. Albert was a sports enthusiast who attended countless events to root for his children, grandchildren and local heroes. But most of all, he was an avid 49er fan through thick and thin. Albert was extremely proud of his Spanish-Basque heritage and enjoyed sharing his culture and love of family with everyone. Al will be forever loved and remembered for his good nature, great sense of humor and story-telling, generosity, understanding, patient instruction and kindheartedness. Albert was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and much more. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Bette, and their children, Michael Joseph and wife Nancy, Michelle Clarice, Marisa Elizabeth and husband Hector Guzman, Matthew Albert, and Marcos Basilio. Also survived by beloved mother, Mari Mendizábal, brothers, J. Mike Mendizábal, Bob and wife Linda Mendizábal, sister-in-law Pat and husband Tom Plowright, and his adored grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher, Jacqueline, and Mari. Also survived by nephews and nieces, Rey (Jackie), Greg (Jenny), Thomas, Anisa, Oona, and Yvonne, great nephews and nieces; Nicholas, Thomas, Simone, and Kira. Please join our family to celebrate Al's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the local school of your choice. A Vigil Service will be held at 7PM on Friday, February 1, 2008 at Chapel of Flowers, 900 S. Second Street, San Jose, CA. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11AM on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4601 Hyland Ave, San Jose, CA. Internment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 2655 Madden Ave, San Jose, CA.