Albert Bisson

Monterey ~ Albert J. Bisson died peacefully at home on January 18 after a long battle against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Born in Akron, Ohio to Albert and Alma Bisson, Al attended Akron schools until entering the U.S. Army during the late stages of World War II. After his time in the military, he attended Stanford University on the G.I Bill, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a teaching credential. He later earned a Master’s Degree in science education.

After teaching science and math in Fort Bragg, California, Albert married Norma DeVitis in 1956 and moved to Monterey in 1957. Al began teaching in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District that year. He was among the inaugural faculty of Seaside High School, where he taught mathematics and science until his retirement in 1986. Al was also an adjunct mathematics instructor at Monterey Peninsula College’s Fort Ord Center.

After retiring from teaching, Al worked for many years as a test editor at CTB/McGraw Hill. He also spent many summers and weekends as a commercial and sport fisherman on Monterey Bay, until his health no longer permitted it. Al applied his love and understanding of nature -- and of the Monterey Bay in particular -- to his work as one of the original docents at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where he volunteered for 21 years.

Al is survived by Norma, his wife of 56 years; his children, Maryann (Joe) Tope, Michael A. (Anna) Bisson, Joseph E. (Betty) Bisson and John A. Bisson; his sister, Alma Smith; his grandson, Joseph W. Tope and his niece and nephew, Christine Golden and Brian Smith. Albert died in his own home, surrounded by family members, thanks to the good work of the people at Heartland Hospice.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at San Carlos Cathedral on Saturday, February 9 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Albert’s memory can be made to Heartland Hospice, 2511 Garden Rd., Ste. B-200, Monterey, CA, 93940, Dorothy’s Hospitality Center, PO Box 2027 Salinas, CA, 93902-2027 or to The Friends of MAOS (Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science), PO Box 3212, Monterey, CA, 93942. Please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com to sign Al’s guest book and leave messages for his family.