Albert Gallardo

1927 - 2023

Albert Gallardo
April 8, 1927 - June 25, 2023
Born in Oakland, CA. A resident of Sacramento, CA for 65 years.
Predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Margaret T. Gallardo. Survived by his children, Albert Jr., Susan, and Julie, daughter-in-law Cathleen, sons-in-law Mark Freitas and Russell Ost, grandchildren Nicholas Gallardo, Caitlin Gallardo (Omar Sebti), Elyse Freitas (Beth Tweedy), Nina Freitas (Robert Cote), and Emily and Michael Ost, and great-grandchildren Cyrus Sebti and Alanna Freitas.
Al served in the US Navy during World War II. He graduated from UC Berkeley and enjoyed a 45-year career as a Civil Engineer during which he surveyed, designed, and served as a senior administrator overseeing the funding and construction of most of California's freeways and highways. He retired as a District Engineer from the Federal Highway Administration and then served as the first Executive Director of the Alameda County Transportation Authority. He was awarded the Federal Secretary of Transportation's Meritorious Achievement Award in 1978. As a leader in Sacramento's Civil Engineering community, he served as local president and then as Sacramento's representative on the National Board of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In addition to Professional activities and honors, Al actively supported his children's activities and local community with service and leadership to multiple youth programs and other neighborhood and church committees. He proudly sang and danced with friends he made through the annual Spring Fling fundraiser that supported Jesuit High School for more than 15 years. He was a fifteen-gallon donor at the Sacramento Blood Bank.
In retirement, Al volunteered at the California State Railroad Museum and offered counseling for the Small Business Administration under its "Service Corps of Retired Executives" (SCORE) program. He biked many miles with his dear, later-life companion, Catherine McCormick, and continued biking on the American River Parkway into his early 90s. Al was a life-long learner and regular participant in the programs offered by the CSUS Renaissance Society, where he honed his Spanish-speaking skill and engaged in many topical forums. He enjoyed traveling and local adventure and remained a loyal fan to his UC Berkeley California Golden Bears, even though he did not get to see them return to the Rose Bowl.
A memorial mass to celebrate Al's life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's church in Sacramento. Al had many interests; if you would like to commemorate him, donations may be made to the Sacramento Railroad Museum or American River Parkway Foundation.