Albert Jacinto Prieto

Albert Jacinto Prieto

February 22, 1927 – April 18, 2011

On April 18, 2011 Al Prieto peacefully passed into the Lord’s arms after leading a full and meaningful life.

Al was born and raised in Walsenburg, Colorado. His father died in a mining accident when he was 18 years old. Shortly after that Al entered the Army and served from the end of World War II until 1947. Serving in Italy, Al showed his character of generosity and compassion. He put his knowledge of Italian to use and shared extra army rations with the struggling post-war citizens of Italy.

Al met his wife to be, Virginia, while they were both working at Northrop in Los Angeles in 1952. They were married the same year and together established a home in the San Fernando Valley community of Canoga Park. They raised four children that Al and Virginia are very proud of. Al valued education and continued to pursue a PhD while remaining a loving father during this time.

While working at Rocketdyne during the 1960’s Al was a critical team member as an engineer on the Saturn 5 rocket. The Saturn 5 was the rocket used to launch the Apollo astronauts to the moon. Al was put to the task of solving one particular problem by none other than Werner Von Braun. He solved the problem of having a reliable ignition process for the second stage of the rocket in the vacuum of space. While the astronauts took all the public glory, Al behind the scenes, was a big part of “Mankind’s Giant Leap to the Moon”. Later in his career he made great accomplishments in the field of laser technology.

In retirement Al refused to slow down. He became a great math tutor to his grandchildren and a tutor in math and physics for 15 years at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. He would often say to his grandchildren “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist” when encouraging them through a tough problem. Through his generous donation of time to mentoring his college students several have gone on to achieve PhDs in science.

Al is survived by his wife of 58 years Virginia; children David, Patty, Chris, and Thomas; son in law Jim; Daughters in law Cindy and Diane, and Grandchildren Sarah, Anthony, Nicholas, Kevin, and Keith. We all miss him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made:

COC Foundation for Albert J. Prieto Scholarship Fund

College of the Canyons

26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Newhall, CA.