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977 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California
Albert Acena Obituary
October 11, 1932 - October 28, 2019
Albert Acena, a Seattle native and longtime resident of San Mateo, CA passed away on October 28, 2019. He joined the faculty of College of San Mateo in 1966. During his 41 years at CSM, Al taught history, served as the Dean of the Division of Social Sciences and served on numerous campus committees. He was the advisor for Alpha Gamma Sigma, the community college honor society. Al was a board member of the San Mateo County Historical Association, the Filipino American National Historical Society and the Alvarado Project.Al was the son of two pioneer Filipino nurses in America, Rodolfo Eladio Acena and Felicidad Nolasco, both of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He earned his undergraduate degree in history from Seattle University and graduate degrees from the University of Washington.
Al served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. His experience in the military was instrumental in developing his interest in travel and study abroad. Intellectual, possessor of a great sense of humor and compassion, Al Acena will be long held in the hearts of his many friends.
Visitation will be from 4pm-9pm, followed by a Vigil at 6pm on Friday, November 15, 2019 at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA. First Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 751 Waverly St., Palo Alto, CA. Second Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Friday, November 22, 2019 at St. James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA. Interment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5041 35th Ave., Seattle, WA.
Donations in Al's memory can be made to the following: Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) 810 18th Ave., #100, Seattle, WA 98122; San Mateo County Historical Association, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94053; Alpha Gamma Scholars, San Mateo County Community College District, 3201 CSM Dr., San Mateo, CA 94402.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Acena
Sponsored by Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
January 23, 2020
My condolences to Al's family. I met Al in the mid-90's as his history student at CSM. He then encouraged me to join Alpha Gamma Sigma where I became an officer. We stayed in touch after I transferred and he became a good friend and mentor. We would discuss world affairs, politics, and history. I later became an instructor at De Anza College and we shared teaching in the community colleges, I saw him as more of a colleague than anything else even though we didn't teach together. He has touched countless lives and our talks and his intelligence, wisdom and good humor. May you rest in peace in God's grace, Al. I will visit you in Seattle when I get the chance.
Graciela Quintana
November 15, 2019
My heart is broken. My sweet and most kind friend who always supported me through my ups and downs. You are now resting and out of pain, I will miss you always. You will remain in my heart with lightyour bright light from above. God Bless You!
Maria Hernandez
November 13, 2019
On behalf of Steadfast Care Providers, Inc. Management and Staffs, you'll remain in our hearts Albert with the wisdom and lovely memories you parted with us. May you rest in peace in the Kingdom of our Lord and may His eternal light shine upon you.
Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary
November 11, 2019
On behalf of our Sisters who taught Al at St. James Grade School, Seattle, we offer our prayerful sympathy to all of his family and friends. His life has changed, not ended. May Al be full of peace and joy - so much so, that his nearness brings those gifts to each of you.
Elisabeth Maman Michael PEPIN DOOLEY
November 10, 2019
Forever in our Hearts
Rest Peacefully
With Much Love
Victot Walsh
November 1, 2019
My heart goes out to Al's family. I had the good fortune to know Albert since1984. He was a dear friend, mentor and dean. I will miss greatly our conversations and visits. He was specialirreplaceable.
Philip Keil
October 31, 2019
A great friend to me for over 40 years.
He has left me with a treasury of wonderful memories of our adventures
together in San Mateo, San Francisco, New York and France.
Elisabeth Michael PEPIN DOOLEY
October 31, 2019
Al, you will be Always remembered. We recalled our appointment two weeks ago we chatted and laughed together. Rest In Peace Angel
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Memorial Events
for Albert Acena
Nov
15
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
Nov
15
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
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Sneider & Sullivan & O’Connell’s Funeral Home and Cremation Service977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402
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