Albert George Belanger

December 30, 1944 – January 17, 2019

Our community sadly lost a great father, son, brother, grandfather & friend on Thursday January 17, 2019. Albert “Pepper” George Belanger died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Seal Beach, CA at the age of 74. Born in Chicago, IL on December 30, 1944 to the late Albert Belanger and Leona B (Thomas) Schoell. He is survived by two children; his son Todd (Gina) and daughter Denise, four grandchildren; Ryan (Brooke), Dalton, Kaitlyn, and Brooklyn, and three siblings; Terrance Belanger, Lenny Belanger, and Kym “Starr” Schoell.

Al’s bravery was rewarded each day in his career as a firefighter and Captain from April 1970 – July 2002. Firefighters from all over have come to know him as Big Al, a hard headed Captain and friend to so many. He retired as Captain from the Orange County Fire Department after 32 years of service and promptly enjoyed spending his retirement with friends and family. He was always known to have a sports car and after retiring would be seen driving with the top down around town waving to all the people he knew or asking them the latest trivia questions he had in his pocket.

Al lived a full and adventurous life, inspiring those around him with dedication to his family, friends, and community. A dear friend to so many, he will forever be in our hearts. Al was well known for his lack of patience and ability to become easily agitated, especially when it came to politics and golf. He did not have a problem letting you know his opinion either. Some may call it a fault, others a strength, but either way you look at it, Al did it his way. He traveled the world with friends and family, creating memories and teaching us to stop and enjoy life along the way. Al always said that he had lived a full and exciting life and would want us all to continue to keep his legacy alive.

There will be a Celebration of Life in his memory. His life will be cherished, and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched. Please come share your stories of remembrance on Saturday February 2, 2019 at 6762 Corral Circle, Huntington Beach 92648 from 12-5pm. Al wished for his ashes to be scattered at sea; so the next time you go to the beach, have lunch on the pier, or are out fishing, you will be reminded that he will always be with us in spirit eager for us to live our lives our own way, the way he did.

* In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Red Cross-Desert to Sea Region or the Orange County Fire Services Association.