Albert James Canepa

It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Canepa, known to his friends as "Al", announces his passing on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at the age of 91 years.
Albert was born in Scotts Valley, CA. His family later moved to Watsonville where Albert graduated from Watsonville High in 1944 in the top 10% of his class. During WW II, he served in the Navy from 1945-46 aboard the USS West Virginia. He went on to attend San Jose State, graduating in 1951 with a Degree in Social Science and a minor in History, along with his teaching credential. Subsequently, he was awarded a fellowship and received his Master's degree in Instructional Systems Technology through Chapman College in 1968. Albert taught at Merced High School from 1951 to 1991, serving as the History department head for many years. He went on to teach at Merced College from 1991 to 1999.
Albert's family is one of the eight original founding families of the Italian fishing colony in Santa Cruz/Monterey that arrived in the late 1800s from a small town on Italy's Ligurian coast. Those families still make up an integral part of the history and fabric of Santa Cruz today. Early in life he enjoyed Tennis, but throughout his life he always had a passion for Reading and Gardening. He was well known for the bounty of stone fruit and tomatoes produced from his garden. Albert was also a writer, penning two literary works. The first was a fictional novel woven around flaws in the Electoral College. The second was a non-fiction piece about reforming education.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Ann, sons Thomas, Timothy and Terrence, grandsons Corey and Scott. Albert had a keen wit accompanied by an endearing smile. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Graveside Service in memory of Albert will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at the Merced Cemetery District located at 1300 B Street, Merced, California 95341.