Albert Alcaraz

Albert “Al” Alcaraz was born to Silvia & Jose Alcaraz on December 30th, 1924 in Santa Monica CA. Al was  the eldest of 7 children. As a child & a man Al was no stranger  to hard work & a strong work ethic. As a child in Crockett, CA Al picked up a milk route & would milk cows & deliver milk for local farmers. Al went to a Richmond High & played Basketball.

As a young man  Al met Esther Santos through his best friend Hank Garcia. Esther was Hank’s sister. On Al & Esther’s 1st date Al joked about Esther buying her own ticket. Esther refused to dance with him the whole night & ignored him. After pursuing Esther they began dating.

Al was drafted to World War 2 to the 10th Mountain Division in April 28th, 1943 an elite Cold Weather Combat force who specialized in fighting & skiing in cold climates. Al was in the 10th Mountain Division 86 B infantry.

Al trained in Camp Hale Colorado & was eventually stationed in Italy. During  Al’s training  they had him train  as a boxer & then train fellow soldiers in boxing.  After training Al was stationed Italy & became a Staff Sergeant.  Al learned Italian which  was close to his native language Spanish & was able to stay at local homes & they fed him home cooked meals. As Al was away in battle in World II Esther was welding ships as a Rosie  The Rivetor. Esther awaited Al’s return. Al  was courageous  but his 1st priority  was always  looking out for his men. Sometimes  he would  go with what God would tell him to do though he did not know God at that time to hold back until  it was safe for them to go forth. Al fought along side his best friend Hank Bustillos & saved Hank’s eye.  When  a bomb exploded causing Hank’s eye to be obstructed from his face. God putting Al there  when he did was able to save Hank’s eye. Al was awarded with Honorable Discharge  & was awarded Medal,  Bronze Star Medal with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster which is awarded  in combat theater distinguished themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or outstanding meritorious achievement; Good  Conduct Medal,  American Campaign Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign  Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal; Combat Victory  Infantry Man Badge 1st award; Honorable  Service Lapel Button WWII. Al was honorably discharged on December 15th,  1944 & arrived  home in December 23, 1944.

When Al returned him & Esther were married in December 7th, 1945 & purchased their 1st home in Richmond. In December 8th, 1946. They had their 1st child Gilbert Paul Alcaraz. Al also adopted  his youngest Brother Henry ‘Rick’ Alcaraz. Al attended Contra Costa College  & took a course in Plumbing and Pipe Fitting.  Al got a job a Standard Oil but was very active in the Union and  was  accused of being a communist due to his Union Activity & was terminated. Al would  do anything to provide for his family & picked fruit. God was with Al  & blessed Al with a job at The then Richmond Unified School District. Al definitely  shattered glass as ceilings as God always made a way for Al.

John 3:27 – … A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Al was the 1st Mexican tradesman at the Richmond Unified School District. Francis Blank who hired Al told the School District executives who did not want to hire him due to his nationality to give Al a chance, Al was a hard worker & he wanted Alcaraz or nobody. Al & Esther had their second  child Kathleen Alcaraz in September 20th, 1955 & moved to San Pablo.

Al always was a hard worker with a strong work ethic & taught his Brother Rick & Son Gilbert how to box. Al taught the boys to be strong &  responsible young men to their families. Al had been plagued by the war & began to drink but though Al didn’t  know God. God delivered him from Alcoholism.

Al worked as a Plumber & eventually Plumbing Department Supervisor for 35 years. Al & Esther would have parties for Al’s family & his employees in the Plumbing Department.  Al retired from the Richmond Unified School District  & started working for  The 159 Plumber’s Union for 12 years.