Albino Andrew Ravella

Albino "Al" Andrew Ravella was born in San Francisco on September 6, 1932 to Giuseppe Ravella and Leapauldina Ferrari Ravella. He was welcomed by his two older sisters, Gina and Clea. He grew up on Clipper Street in the Mission, attending Emerson Elementary and Mission High. Growing up Al loved raising and training pigeons to race and playing soccer. In high school he met his bride to be, Antonia (Toni) Grech. He asked her to a school dance, and as they say, the rest is history!
Soon after High School graduation Al enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Mather Field in Sacramento where he was an airplane mechanic. It was very Important to him to honor his country and serve. He strongly believed it was his duty.
Al and Toni were married in 1954 at St. Paul of the Shipwreck Catholic Church in San Francisco. They lived on Bemis Street in Glen Park. Al and Toni were blessed with three children over the years, Joann, Julie, and Joe. Al worked as a gardener for the City and County of San Francisco. He also started a custodial service tending to office buildings. Al's work ethic was tremendous. He woke early in the morning to clean offices and then went to his job for the City. After working all day, he would come home for a quick homemade meal with his family and then leave again to clean offices in the evening. Often times he would bring one of the kids with him to help wash windows and empty garbage cans.
In 1962, the Ravella's made a big move down the peninsula to San Carlos. They bought a single-family home and joined St. Charles Church where the children also attended school. Al loved athletics and got involved in the community volunteering loads of time coaching the kids in their various sports. He never missed watching a game and could often be found sitting in the bleachers attending practices as well.
Al adored his San Francisco teams. He was a diehard 49er fan and held season tickets at Kezar, as well as Candlestick. He was a 49er FAITHFUL! He never missed a Warrior's game or a Giants game. If you went to the Ravella home, you better love Bay Area sports!
Around 1970 Al and Toni purchased a lot in Arnold CA. at Lakemont Pines. Al built a cabin for his family to enjoy which they continue to do to this day. Summer days were spent swimming and fishing and the winter meant ski trips to Bear Valley. He also provided his family with an inground swimming pool in his backyard in San Carlos. Al was a bit of a sun worshipper.
Al also enjoyed deer hunting. He traveled as far as Colorado, Utah and Nevada. He belonged to the Verdi Club in San Francisco. Established in 1916, it was a place where working class Italian Americans gathered to focus on sports, dances, celebrations, family and community. He met many lifelong friends at the club. As the kids grew older and started their own families. Toni and Al were able to travel and even go back to visit Malta and Italy where their parents immigrated from.
Al and Toni were lucky to be Papa and Nana to eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Some of their grandchildren were raised in Avery, CA., and Monterey CA.. Al and Toni adored their grandchildren and never wanted to miss out on anything that involved the grandkids. That meant they spent a lot of time in the car traveling to sporting events, holiday gatherings or any school or extra-curricular achievement. And they loved every second of it.
Al remained very sharp and active in his golden years. He went to the gym every day well into his eighties and enjoyed his routine of stopping by McDonalds on the way home for a cheap cup of coffee. Being a gardener also meant he took a lot of pride in his own yard. He lived on a prominent corner in San Carlos and it was rare to not see Al Ravella mowing his lawn or fiddling with sprinklers to ensure it was green.
Later in life, Al seemed to cherish his beloved wife Toni more and more. And expressed his deep love and gratitude for her unsurmountable love, devotion and care. His appreciation for his family made him emotional at recent family gatherings. He would often tear up and claim he didn't know what he did to be such a lucky man. Al was so proud. Family was everything to him.
Al passed away on Monday January 30th surrounded by his family who love him fiercely. To say he will be missed doesn't describe the void that has been left. He is predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Gina Wright. Al is survived by his loving wife Toni Ravella and his greatest joys, his children, Joann (Doug) Bales, Julie (Tony) Johnson and Joe (Sarah) Ravella. He is also survived by his dear sister Clea De Losa and his adored grandchildren Becca (Joel) Kane, Bri (Kevin) Inks, Judd (Kathleen) Bales, Andy Ravella, Jamie Ravella, Olivia Gattis, Sophia Gattis and Nicholo Ravella. He is also survived by his precious seven grandchildren, Maddie, Colton and Nate Kane, Rhett and Trace Inks and Brynn and Emma Bales.
Friends are welcome to attend services on Wednesday February 8, 2023 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belmont Ca.
In lieu of gifts or flowers the family requests donations to www.acceleratedcureproject.com which will help to fight Multiple Sclerosis.