Albert John "Buzz" LAMANNA

August 15, 1947 - August 21, 2024

Albert "Buzz" Lamanna was born to Michael and Ann Lamanna August 15, 1947, in Priest River, Idaho, the fifth of seven children. He passed away, with family by his side, from cancer on August 21, 2024.

He graduated from high school in 1965. During high school, he was a soda jerk at an actual soda fountain! He received his Bachelor's in 1970 from the University of Idaho and his master's from Idaho in 1978. He spent his summers manning Forest Service lookouts in the wilderness of North Idaho, a job he truly loved.

Al married Vicki McMullin in June of 1970, and they were married for 54 years. Their daughter, Elizabeth was born September 1, 1979, in Bremerton, WA. The family moved to California in 1982, settling first in San Jose, and then moving to Modesto in 1990, where granddaughter, Lucy, was born in 2004.

Al started his teaching career in 1970 in Kendrick, ID, where he taught for five years. He left teaching for a few years and then returned to the profession, teaching four years at a continuation high school in Santa Clara County. He began teaching at Salida Middle School in 1990, retiring in 2014. Al and Vicki were very active members of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Modesto.

Al was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Nick; and nephew, Tom McCanta. In addition to Vicki, Elizabeth, and Lucy, Al is also survived by sisters, Annette (Joe), Harriet, Roberta; and sister of the heart, Rosemary; brothers; Anthony Sr. (Cathy) and Michael Jr. (Kelly); and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Although he enjoyed many activities, his favorite was always being with family and friends. A celebration of life will be held at the Priest River Event Center, 5399 Highway 2, on July 12, at 11:00 a.m. Private interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery.