Albert Henry Simi Jr.

1937 - 2025

Albert Henry Simi, Jr.

October 22, 1937 - April 21, 2025

Modesto, California - Albert 'Al' Simi, Jr., a Modesto native, passed away peacefully after a long illness on April 21st, 2025. Albert was born on October 22, 1937, to the late Albert Sr. and Genevieve Simi. A self-proclaimed "Modesto Man", Al attended Enslen Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High School and Downey High School. As a youth, Al held the unique honor of being a batboy for the Modesto Reds, a minor league team for the Cincinnati Reds.

As a student at Thomas Downey High School (class of 1955), Al was a yell leader and a member of the marching band. After graduating from high school, Al studied at Modesto Junior College, and then attended the College of the Pacific (now University of the Pacific), where he earned a BA in Social Sciences. At College of the Pacific, Al was an active member of the Archania Fraternity where he developed life-long friendships. Al also served in the California National Guard from 1955 to 1961.

After college, Al married Sandra Mead and together they had two children, Brian and Eleanore Simi. Although they divorced years later, Al and Sandy remained friends throughout the years, and he was embraced as a permanent member of Sandy's extended family.

Al began his teaching career as a student teacher at Modesto High School in 1962. A few years later he moved to Thomas Downey High School where he spent the remainder of his teaching career, working over 30 years in the teaching profession. Al taught Honors US History and enjoyed sharing his enthusiasm for history with his students. For several years, Al was the Coach of the Academic Decathlon team and was instrumental on several occasions in leading the team to victory in the County competitions. He was also the Social Science Department Chair for several years. Mr. Simi, as he was known to students, always enjoyed supporting his students with their academic goals, writing countless recommendations for them for college and scholarships. He treasured hearing about his students' success in college and beyond, keeping letters from them for decades beyond their graduation.

An avid golfer, Al enjoyed playing every weekend at Del Rio Country Club where he started as a junior member. In addition, in the early 1970's Al's love of golf translated into the development of the Carver 3 Par and Driving Range where he was a founding partner. After a work day of teaching and on weekends, Al helped create a popular golfing environment for the enjoyment of many other golfers who loved the sport. Al had a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit which he learned from his parents who owned Rose Brothers Produce and where Al also worked in his youth. Al believed strongly in the value of hard work and impressed this upon others. When he wasn't teaching or golfing, Al had a penchant for watching any movie starring John Wayne or Clint Eastwood and frequenting California's Gold Country.

After retirement, Al could often be spotted at the local watering hole, Marie Callender's on Sylvan Road, where he would enjoy good conversation with friends and former coworkers. Sometimes exuding a gruff, no nonsense demeanor that could ward off others, Al's gruff facade was easily broken with a smile and a laugh.

Al loved spending time with his grandchildren, surprising them with donut runs from Mr. T's donuts and imparting his knowledge of U.S. History. He was also fortunate to take trips with them to Disneyland and the East Coast.

Al is survived by his children, Brian Simi of Elk Grove, CA, (daughter-in-law Yvette Simi) and Eleanore Simi of Baltimore, MD (son-in-law Christopher Lerch), Grandchildren Derek Simi of Seattle, Rachel Simi of Elk Grove and Mallory Lerch of Baltimore. Al is also survived by his brothers, Mike Simi of Modesto, and David Simi of Sparks, NV and several nieces and nephews and his former wife, Sandra Kelley of Oregon.

A Celebration of Life will be held in July for family and close friends.

In honor of Al's life, donations can be made to The Professional Golf Association's Junior League Scholarship Fund. The family is also setting up a scholarship fund at Thomas Downey High School.