Albert John Ghirardelli

Albert Ghirardelli passed away peacefully in the home he had shared with his beloved late wife Olga, surrounded by people who loved him. That is what he had prayed for, and anyone who knew Al, knew he was well-connected in that area. He was just 3 months short of his 98th birthday. He had said good-bye to all his cherished siblings and cousins but one. He lived a quietly remarkable life and was beloved by all who knew him. He is survived by his son David and David’s wife Mary, daughters Marie and Susan, Olga’s daughter Diana, his grandchildren Anna, Tessa, Katie and Kevin, his nieces and nephews Gary, Eddie, Mary Jean, Rick, Linda, Jani, Bobbi, Andrea and Diana, and his cousin Anna. He also leaves his dearly loved Justin, Kelly, Kyle, Jessica, Maya, Gwen and Henry.

Albert John Ghirardelli was born September 7, 1924 on a farm just southeast of San Fernando, California, the 5th of 6 children, to Serafina and David Ghirardelli. He started school at St. Ferdinand’s grammar school speaking Italian as his first language. He always credited his sister Alice as the person who taught him to read and instilled in him the passion for learning that he carried with him the rest of his days.

Al attended San Fernando High School, where he met lifelong friends, some of whom attended his 80th birthday party. Despite his small size, he loved playing high school varsity football, and his enthusiasm for football and baseball continued to the end of his life. He grew up during the Great Depression and spoke of how fortunate his family was to be able to grow their own food, when so many had nothing. The tireless work required of his parents and siblings on the farm motivated him to excel in school and find a way to go to college. When Al turned 18 in 1942, World War II was raging in Europe and, against the wishes of his mother, he joined the U.S. Army. His dream for a college education began to materialize while he served his stateside training in the infantry. He started classes at the University of Nebraska, until he was sent to Europe where he served at the front as a radio communication specialist. It was in that capacity that Al was shot by a sniper and severely wounded. He was sent to England to recover and eventually made his way home, where he was able to take advantage of the GI bill. Al completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA, then was accepted into USC law school. After passing the bar, he joined his cousin John Varni and John’s partner Neville Lewis in their practice on Brand Blvd. in San Fernando, where he eventually became full partner and continued his practice for over 60 years.

While Al was studying law at USC, he met Carolyn Welp through his friends Ralph Fusano and Bob Kiley. Bob’s wife Colleene was Carolyn’s best friend at Corvallis High School. Al and Carolyn fell in love and were married August 11, 1951. The two couples remained friends for the rest of their lives. Al and Carolyn lived in San Fernando for 42 years, where they raised their three children. Carolyn died in 1993 after a long illness, but it was her last wish that Al remarry. In 1995, Albert proposed to Olga Daney, a long-time friend and colleague from Holy Cross Hospital, and they were married until Olga’s death in 2011.

One of the greatest pleasures of Albert’s later years was traveling with his son Dave and Dave’s wife Mary. Together, they traveled throughout Europe, Israel and the U.S., often staying with friends and relatives. Mary and Al became fast friends on their first long flight overseas, and he spent many beautiful days with them in Sequim and Monforte.

During his professional life, Al served many causes that were close to his heart, one of which began as the result of a tragic accident in 1953, when a small plane from nearby Whiteman airport crashed into a grammar school in Pacoima. Because there were no hospitals in the vicinity, many victims had to be transported some distance for emergency medical care. The accident marked the beginning of Al and his civic-minded collaborators on their daunting journey to create a hospital in the northeast corner of Los Angeles. Their efforts resulted in Holy Cross Hospital, now Providence Holy Cross, in Mission Hills. He served as the hospital’s legal counsel and was a member of the Board of Directors for over 60 years. Watching his dream to help create a world-class hospital for this area was his proudest professional accomplishment.

Another cause Al took up was to have an LA County Superior Courthouse built in San Fernando to serve the Northeast San Fernando Valley. He lobbied for it for years and in 1983, the San Fernando Superior Courthouse opened for business.

Al was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Kiwanis Club from the beginning of his professional career. One of his favorite causes working with the Knights was to support and expand the services of the San Antonio Home for Boys in Chatsworth. Since the 1950’s, the Knights have provided most of the fundraising for Rancho San Antonio. Al was proud of the fact that Rancho continues to grow with the support of the Knights of Columbus, and currently provides services to 106 boys and their families.

Albert was a gentleman’s gentleman: kind, compassionate, civic-minded, and a scholar. He loved his friends and family above all else and lived an authentic life in the best possible way. His greatest legacy is the love he gave to those of us fortunate enough to know him. Al, we will miss your gentle, steadfast presence.


If you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Albert Ghirardelli, you can do so by visiting the following websites:

https://ranchosanantonio.org/

https://caphc.give.providence.org/fundraiser/3975903

Holy Cross has set up a memorial fund in Albert’s name:

https://ranchosanantonio.org/