Albert A. "Papa Al" BALSHOR

BALSHOR, Albert A. "Papa Al" Sunrise: 11/22/1924 Sunset: 3/19/2015 Al died peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the Southside Section of Sacramento to Alexander Arthur Belchoir and Graca Joaquina Nunes Secco. Albert was the last surviving child of 12 children born to Arthur and Graca. Al was very proud of his Portuguese heritage and the fact that he was a Southsider. He still owns the house where he was born. Graca delivered Al in the living room facing south at 315 U St. Al was basically raised by his mother Graca and some of his siblings after his father Arthur died in 1929 when he was just 5 years old. Al was a go getter and an early riser from a very young age, helping out around the house without being asked. He recognized the needs of his widowed Mother and would light the wood stove, put a pot of water on for coffee and stirred the hornet's nest with his brothers and sisters with all the noise he made. Al's childhood jobs included the Sac Bee Delivery Boy, pitching watermelons at the old farmers' market at 5th Street, an order filler at the Piazza Floral Wholesale, drove the 3-wheel motorcycle delivery for Willis and Martin Drug Store, delivered ice to the local bars and homes in the area, and was proud to sell boxing programs at the old L Street Arena. Al played football for Sac High, and was renowned for defeating his arch rival, McClatchy, in the annual turkey game on Thanksgiving Day. Upon his graduation from High School, he was drafted into the service in World War 2, where he served in General Patton's 3rd army as an ambulance driver and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Al was very proud of his military service, even though he lost his dear brother Joe to the war. Returning home after 23 months overseas, the Relles - Balshor connection was soon established in 1946. Al met the love of his life, Maria when she was 6 and Al was 9. Their mothers were widows and Maria lived on a farm in Dixon. When Maria was 18 she came to Sacramento to attend Secretarial School but did not have a place to live. Maria and her mother stopped by Graca's house to visit when upon hearing Maria had no place to stay Graca insisted she stay there with the caveat being Maria had to sleep with Graca because there was no other room in the house. Al and Maria married on New Years Day 1948. Daughter Judie arrived later that year, while Al jr, and Jerry came along while they were still living with Grandma Balshor over the following 7 years. In 1950, Al launched his dream, Balshor Florist at 730 O Street for 20+ years, and then moved to their present location on Riverside Blvd celebrating their 65th anniversary in business this year. The family continues to honor the tradition Al established with Balshor Florist many years ago. Al presided over the Southside Improvement Club as President throughout his lifetime, served on the County Retirement Board for 17 years, Was a lifetime member of the American Portuguese Club, The Portuguese Historical Society, served as president of the Pacific Little League and being a huge sports lover, he sponsored many teams, too numerous to mention, in various sports such as legion baseball, softball, and bowling. Al loved the outdoors. We're talking Fishing. Fishing in the Sacramento River for Striped Bass and Salmon, and Trout fishing at Caples Lake. He was an avid Oakland A's fan, and was able to go to all 3 of the A's World Series Championships in the 70s. The A's were his baseball team and the 49ers his football team. He loved red and gold, being a season ticket holder 34 years! GO NINERS! Al was our gentle giant. A wonderful husband and father, uncle, friend and Papa Al. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Maria, his beloved children, Judie (Bob) Plummer, Al Jr, and Jerry (Sondra), and special daughter Lisa Sussdorf. Al is survived by many nieces and nephews, along with many many adopted sons and daughters.. The family would like to thank the staff at the shop for their unwavering support during and after Al's illness. Also a special thanks you to the staff at Mercy Hospital, Asian Community Center Skilled Nursing Facility, Dr. Scott Stringer MD (Our Special Angel), Dr Faryal Michaud MD, Dr Jason Spears MD, Joe Pierce RN, Sister Kathleen Horgan, Lori Marsh RN, special friends Dan and Donis Whaley and daughters Angelica and Alexis and Our Loving Angel Sondra Holland RN for their loving care. Viewing and Meditation, Sunday, March 29th, 12-6 at Klumpps Mortuary, with Rosary following at 6. Funeral services Monday, March 30, 10am, St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 12th & S Street. Burial Service following at St. Mary's Mausoleum. Flowers are much welcomed!!!!!