Albert Vigil

Albert Vigil passed away at home in Upland, California on September 17, 2024. Born to Albert Fedencio Vigil and Emma R. Vigil in Las Cruces, New Mexico on June 22, 1949, Albert was the eldest of two children. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and graduated from Wilson High School in 1967. He was a free-thinker with a variety of interests including reading, playing piano and guitar, and practicing taekwondo, in which he held a first degree black belt. During his younger years, he was a hippie who enjoyed driving vehicles such as his Harley Davidson motorcycle, yellow Trans Am, and GTO with an exhaust loud enough to earn him a ticket.

Albert served in the United States Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan and also in Vietnam from 1969-1970. He specialized in hydraulics and worked on various aircraft including helicopters and F-4 Phantom jets. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. After leaving the service, he held various jobs, even working for Bell Helicopter in Iran.

In 1983, Albert met Catherine Orrante, and after two dates, he asked her to marry him. Albert and Cathy drove to Las Vegas and got married, then came back to the LA area for a wedding reception thrown by Cathy’s parents. Their union produced two sons, Shane and Michael.

Albert took a special interest in nurturing his sons’ talents and interests. He observed and encouraged Michael’s love of animals. Seeing Shane’s love of technology, Albert bought him a personal computer when home PCs were still new. As a father, Albert instilled the values of hard work, self-discipline, and good moral conduct. His philosophical outlook on life greatly influenced his children.

Albert retired in 2011 from his job as an industrial engineer. After retiring, he focused even more on his family and his hobbies. He was especially proud of Shane and Michael, who served their country in the Marine Corps and the Navy, respectively. He relished being a grandfather and keeping up with the latest news about his granddaughters. Albert also liked to read the classics and listen to audiobooks. He had an eclectic taste in music ranging from Adele to Handel to Neil Young.

In 2011, Albert completed his conversion to Judaism, taking the Hebrew name Zevulun. He maintained his Jewish faith for the rest of his life. He enjoyed studying Torah and listening to lectures online.

Albert was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Emma. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Catherine; his sister, Pat; his sons Shane and Michael; and his grandchildren Rose, Violet, and Iris. He will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery.