Albert Mooney

An online funeral will be February 3, 2022, at 10AM PST with Rabbi Robin Podolsky presiding. All are welcome to participate via Zoom. Please register online to receive the Zoom login credentials at this website:

bit.ly/AMooneymemorial

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation to one of the following organizations:

Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org

Pet Adoption Center of Orange County: https://adoptocpets.org

First Book (children’s literacy and educational equity organization): https://firstbook.org/

Albert Louis Mooney (aka “Big Al” and “Bapo”) died January 13, 2022 in Laguna Niguel, CA at 87 years young. He will be remembered most as a funny, playful, and generous soul who aimed to make a positive impact on everyone he encountered.

Born in Bakersfield, CA to Fred and Mary Mooney, he grew up with siblings Florence, Alva, Anna, Maxine, all of whom preceded him in death.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Albert earned a BA from UC Berkeley and MA from University of Southern California. He was a drummer for both Cal and USC marching bands.

He became an accomplished teacher and school administrator. He taught elementary school in the Ontario-Montclair School District for six years, and then served as a principal for 27 years. He was honored with a National Innovations in Education Award. He served as president of Ontario-Montclair Teachers Association, president of the West End School Administrators, and as an associate of California School Leadership Academy.

He also served as president of the board for Reach Out West End; president of the Montclair Kiwanis Club; chair of the West End Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

After retirement, he continued as a consultant for San Bernardino County Schools working with special needs teenagers, and with National University mentoring student teachers.

His huge heart and generous nature led him to serve many communities. Active in 12-step recovery, Albert inspired and sponsored many people seeking sobriety and serenity. He was a regular volunteer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detention and Corrections Department. He provided reach out information to hospitals and institutions. Finally, he helped to establish recovery meetings at tent city in Ontario.

A true renaissance man, Albert played the drums and guitar, and loved to sing. His hobbies included painting, woodworking, gardening, reading, and writing. He was known to share his favorite sayings frequently including “You get 10% more from praying on your knees,” “Better for seeing your face and hearing your voice,” and “Don’t ever go into your mind alone, it’s a dangerous place.”

Albert loved unconditionally and helped so many people. He loved his girls and their families, and friends deeply. His life and heart were full and happy. He believed his wife was his soulmate and folks often remarked that the two of them were like bookends.

Albert is survived by his spouse of 26 years, Bonnie; his children and their spouses, Melinda and Michael Chavez, Eve and Joe Nordberg, Stacey and Jeremy Goldblatt, and stepdaughter Sonya Mendoza; his grandchildren: Taylor Chavez, Madeline Chavez Steadman, Hailey and Hannah Duvall, Ellen and Benjamin Goldblatt; former spouse and enduring parenting partner Joni Kelch; and his beloved kitty, Super Kippur.