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Mission High School San Francisco State University

Alfred Bernal Obituary

Alfred R. (Al) Bernal

Resident of Palo Alto

May 31, 1928-Feb. 25, 2011

Al Bernal, longtime popular Palo Alto teacher, died peacefully at home Friday, February 25, after a short illness with his family at his bedside. Born in San Francisco, the oldest of six children, Al attended school there, graduating from Mission High School in 1946. After serving in the Army, he returned home to attend college and graduated from San Francisco State. He loved teaching, and after moving his family to the Peninsula, he began his career at Elizabeth Van Auken School in Palo Alto in 1962. He spent many years teaching Spanish, reading, drama, and leadership at both JLS and Jordan Middle Schools as well as teaching Spanish at Adult School for many years.

Al retired into a career as a substitute teacher in 1993, and he continued teaching until he was nearly 80.

He is survived by a loving family including his wife Liz, by his daughters Jennifer Hall, Rebecca Drumm and Rachel Simpson, his stepdaughters Karen Rodgers and Kendra Haddock, sons-in-law Steve Hall, Fra Drumm, and Chris Haddock, twelve grandchildren, three siblings, and extended family and friends.

A celebration of Al's life will be held at the Palo Alto Woman's Club, 475 Homer Ave, on Sunday, March 20 at 1 p.m. Friends are encouraged to share memories; we look forward to much laughter. A short service, followed by burial, will occur on Monday, March 21 at Alta Mesa Chapel and Cemetery in Palo Alto beginning at 11 a.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Mar. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Bernal

19 Entries

Virginia Currier Martinez

September 28, 2020

What a great teacher who brought Spanish to life for me. Was ashy and he gave me confidence. Had him for Spanish in Jr High School. We had fun as we learned about n his class. Sorry I missed his Memorial. May he Rest In Peace.

March 4, 2012

Dear Liz, Becky, Jennifer & Rachael,
We were at Tommy & Susie's on Al's anniversary; we remembered some of the happy times we had round the festive times of the year when most of the family were together. Al, RIP

Abdul Nabi

July 1, 2011

Well as someone who went to Van Auken, then Jordan then Paly of course I remember Mr. Bernal as one of my memorable teachers that shaped me and will always be grateful to him for the positive influence and wisdom he shared (and his kindness and understanding as I could be a pain)... my condolences to the entire family... a truly wonderful person

NANCY McALEAR

March 22, 2011

Dear Jennifer, Becky and Rachel,
I was saddened to see Al's obituary in the SJ M. News. As a former member of your family (Nancy Erickson Silvestri), I remember your dad from many family gatherings. I always so enjoyed being in his presence and remember thinking that, "I wish I had had a stand-out teacher as wonderful as Al must be."
How proud he must have been of his three beautiful girls all the days of his life.
I have kept a special place in my heart for you over these many years, thinking of you often.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Nancy

David Goodman

March 22, 2011

As another of the Van Auken fifth grade "unteachables", I remember being in awe of Al Bernal. In the course of one semester, he became not only our teacher, but also a mentor, a father-figure, a role model, and a friend. He cared about each of us and had an individual relationship with each student, sensing our individual needs and giving each attention and encouragement to match those needs. For me, personally, he was a role model of goodness and integrity that helped to shape my moral character. I am deeply grateful for all that he did.

Al will live on in the memories of the thousands of people whose lives he touched. Certainly, I will never forget.

The memorial at the Palo Alto Women's Club was truly an amazing event, not so much for what was said, but for the feelings of love and peace that pervaded the room. It was an uplifting experience and I hope the warmth and love expressed that day buoyed the family's spirits and will stay with Liz and all the rest for years to come.

Ann Bethune

March 20, 2011

Al was my fifth grade teacher at Van Auken School in Palo Alto, one of the best teachers I've had in all the years I was in school and university. Apparently the school administration at Van Auken considered us a problem class and had labeled us the "unteachables," (unbeknownst to us) because we had terrorized a series of substitutes (as rowdy 10 year olds will) who had been brought in to teach us following the mid-year departure of our original fifth grade teacher. As a newly minted teacher, Al was hired as the permanent teacher of our "problem" class well into the 1960-61 school year. He came in and established order and earned the respect and admiration of the class. He made learning fun and it was obvious to all of us that he really cared about his students.

As part of the Paly class of 1968 40th year reunion activities in July 2008, students in our class who had attended each of the various district elementary schools put together informal reunions for each of these elementary schools at the reunion picnic, held at Mitchell Park. The Van Auken grads invited Al and Liz to join us and they came brought us a delicious cake, inscribed "The Unteachables, 1961" and Al brought a copy of the class photo from 1961 for each of the "unteachables" at the picnic. Getting to see Al again (he insisted we not call him "Al" and not "Mr. Bernal") and meet Liz was the highlight of that reunion weekend.

Today at the celebration of life for Al, it was so heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and respect from his family and friends and colleagues and the huge crowd that came to celebrate his life. Given that Al was such a beloved teacher, it didn't surprise me at all that I was not the only one of his "unteachables" in attendance at the event today, fifty years after he became our teacher.

My heartfelt condolences to Liz and the entire family.

~Ann (Rendall) Bethune

Tim

March 20, 2011

He was my drama teacher at Jordan in 1974. I have never forgot his spirit.

john kot

March 20, 2011

Elizabeth Van Auken School alum still living in Palo Alto
thank you MR Bernal

March 20, 2011

To Liz and Family,
Your loss is ours, too. Al was full of heart and I always admired his empathy for the children who needed the most help and understanding. He was a jewel and I know he will remain our treasure. love, Jeanette and Joe Mell

John, Mickey and Michileen Oberst

March 19, 2011

Al was proud of being a self labelled "curmudgeon", but his heart was full of love for live and all that comes with it.
We were lucky to have known him these past 18 years and are better human beings for it. God bless his family

Anna Wexler

March 17, 2011

Al I will always remember our trip to Europe in 1983 with Liz,Jennifer,Becky and Rachael. You always found a way to teach us some great point of interest, but make it funny at the same time. You will be greatly missed by all. I only wish you could have enjoyed your pasta with pesto. Rest in Peace. You have some good company up there.
My condolences to Liz and your family.

Geraldine & Brenda

March 14, 2011

Geraldine & I were very lucky to spend Thanksgiving at Fra & Becky's home along with Al & Liz. What always impressed me was how he truly wanted to hear about his grandchildren's daily lives, especially school.
Rest in Peace, Al.

Malaine Hall-Plymesser

March 13, 2011

Both Joe and I will remember Al as a loving father, devoted grandfather, and a "class act." Our hearts and prayers are with Liz and with his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

March 13, 2011

Al, you were a joy to be around. You enjoyed a good joke, and always had a great story to share. You will be sorely missed.
Tommy and Susie

David Casas

March 12, 2011

Roughly 12 years ago, I stopped by Al and Liz's home to say hi. They were really kind to me at Jordan. I always appreciated the extra help they offered, and I wanted to thank them both for being great teachers. I'm glad I did.

My condolences to Liz, and to their family.

Mark Miranda

March 10, 2011

It was great to see Mr. Bernal at Paly's 40th reunion. I was in that first class of his at Van Auken, then ran into him at Jordan. He left quite an impression on me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The Unteachables '62 & '08

Marci Fradenburg

March 10, 2011

Al Bernal was a very special teacher and friend. I had the privilege of being part of his first class "The Unteachables", 5th grade at Van Auken in 1962. Al brought life and laughter to our class, he made learning fun. Then, a couple of years ago, we were so honored to have Al and Liz join us for our 40th reunion from Paly. I will remember Al always as a wonderful teacher and friend. He will be greatly missed, not only by me, but by anyone who ever met him. My deepest sympathies and love to his family.

Fra Drumm

March 10, 2011

It was best said in the words of the song : "He was more than just a Father, a Teacher, my best friend...".
I miss you Al : one of the smartest, wittiest, nicest men I ever met : say Hi to Jimmy for me.
Fra

March 10, 2011

Al Bernal was an incredible teacher, coach and just amazing person. I always remembered him as he used to walk down the hall way or stand by his classroom door usually humming a show tune. He was part of the big reason why I decided to become a teacher. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family

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