Angelo Andrew Inocencio

      Angelo Andrew Inocencio was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Angelo always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Angelo was an individual who enjoyed life's challenges.

      Angelo was born on November 25, 1940 at Provident Hospital in Oakland California. His parents were Angelo and Carmen Inocencio. Angelo was raised in Oakland, California. Always able to express himself well, Angelo possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Angelo was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

      Blessed with a balanced attitude, Angelo was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Angelo was raised with three siblings. He had two sisters, Lila and Carmen and one brother Jimmy. Angelo had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

      As a young child, Angelo showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Angelo enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in basketball and football. He was a Sea Scout and an Altar Boy. In his spare time he liked model airplane building. Angelo's memorable achievements included playing C. Y. O. (Catholic Youth Organization).

      Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Angelo was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from St. Elizabeth's High School, Oakland California in 1960. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. He played four years of Varsity Football.

      When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to Angelo. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labor Education, Safety and Health from the University of San Diego.

      Friends and acquaintances found Angelo an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Angelo was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Toto, Bill Lorenzo, Twins, John & Orlando and Jerry Flaherty.

      On September 5, 1966 Angelo exchanged wedding vows with Daphne Joy Gray at the Silver Bells Chapel of Reno, Nevada. Angelo was attentive to Daphne's feelings, and he charmed Daphne and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Angelo was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

      Very much like a kid himself, Angelo identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children's personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Angelo was blessed with two children, two sons, Kevin and Brian. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Caleb, Maya, and Hannah.

      Angelo was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Angelo's strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Angelo was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Angelo could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was Instructor for the Field Ironworker's Apprenticeship and Journeyman Retraining Program. He was employed as a foreman in the Ironworker's Local 378 from 1965-1991. He also concurrently was an instructor for the Ironworker's Apprenticeship Program from 1984-200.

      Angelo was an Air Force veteran. Angelo was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He was in the Air Force at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California from 1960-1964. He achieved the rank of Airman Second Class (E-3). He received several awards including a Air Force Good Conduct Medal, July 21, 1963. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Angelo enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were working on cars and thrift shopping (He knew every place in the Bay Area). He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Because he liked to take risks, Angelo was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Angelo played Varsity Football. Angelo was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Oakland A's.

      Angelo was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Angelo worked steadily to meet any organization's goals. Throughout his later years, Angelo was an active member of the Ironworker's, Local 378.

      Angelo held close traditional values and as a result, faith was important to him. He was a member Saint Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church.

      Angelo's natural leadership qualities placed him in consideration for public recognition, earning him accolades for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards was from the National Labor College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Angelo truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included road trips with the sons to National Parks, Mexico, Lake Tahoe and cruises to the Carri bean.

      When Angelo's retirement finally came in 2000, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. In retirement, he found new pleasure in shopping at thrift stores and the auto dismantles, (ie Pick & Pull).

      Angelo passed away on April 8, 2008 at Summit Alta Bates Hospital in Oakland California of complications from diabetes. He is survived by his son Brian Angelo Inocencio, three grandchildren Caleb, Mya and Hannah, as well as an extended family and group of friends who loved him. Services were held at Saint Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church. Angelo was laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery in Oakland, California.

      Angelo was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Angelo had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don't Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Angelo Andrew Inocencio.