Albert J. Vivian

Resident of San Jose

Born November 5, 1921 in Penn Grove, New Jersey, Al Vivian died peacefully on February 6, 2011 in the loving presence of his family. Al grew up in Vestal, New York, the son of Albert Vivian and Inez Root Vivian, who preceded him in death along with his sister, Violet Harter.

Al graduated from high school in Endicott, NY and became an apprentice with IBM. He served in the US Navy in World War II aboard a gunboat, seeing action in the Battle of Okinawa. At the end of the war he returned to Endicott and resumed his employment with IBM. In 1956 he transferred to IBM's new plant in South San Jose. He worked as a Manufacturing Engineer until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement, he and his wife Loretta enjoyed traveling in the US and abroad. Loretta died in 1994, two years after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Through the years, Al, an Eagle Scout himself, continued his support of the Boy Scouts. He also enjoyed golf, photography, crossword puzzles, and serving as Secretary-Treasurer of the Jesse Frey Community Garden for over 25 years. He was a member of Branch 94 SIR and San Jose Men's Chorus. As a member of Willow Glen United Methodist Church, he served on various committees and sang in the choir. It was here that he found his second wife, Jane, whom he married in 1995.

Al is survived by his wife, Jane Shepperd Vivian, by his sons William (Fran) and Robert (Julie), two granddaughters, Leslie Brown and Ashley Grant, and six great-grandchildren, Alissa, Aaron, Isabella, Joey, Randy and Valena.

He was a kind and quiet man who was happiest when with his family, singing in the choir, or tending his garden plot.

A memorial service will be held at Willow Glen United Methodist Church, 1420 Newport Avenue, San Jose, at 2 o'clock on Saturday, February 12. Donations to Willow Glen UMC Memorial Fund in lieu of flowers preferred. Private burial at Los Gatos Memorial Park will be conducted under the auspices of the Willow Glen Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Chapel, San Jose, CA.