An Angelino from the start, Al was born at White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights, California to Alcade and Lucille Loquet. Al’s parents later had his younger sister, Anne Marie. In his later years Al would always regale everyone with stories of growing up in strict Catholic schools. One being, how he would run home during lunch time, make himself a fried slice of bologna on a hot corn tortilla, and run back in a hurry so he wouldn’t be punished by the nuns. Another one of his favorite childhood memories was jumping trains that ran through the tracks in his hometown with friends. Al lost his father at the young age of 14.
As a teenager Al lived with his aunt Mercedes and uncle Leo in Whittier where he attended Whittier High School. In 1954, at the age of 17, he left home to serve his country on a *kiddie cruise* as a U.S. Navy sailor (which would go on to be his most cherished title behind those of father, husband, and grandfather). After serving on the Navy ship The U.S.S. Bexar as a Troop Landing Craft Operator, Al met his sweetheart Celeste in 1961 and they married soon thereafter. Every morning for 53 years, Al would turn on the radio and make coffee for his Stella. The two loved to dance about the kitchen together.
In 1969 Al and Celeste were blessed with a beautiful baby boy whom they named Mark. The sunshine of his life, Mark was Al’s greatest pride and joy as well as his partner in crime. Al worked for the Western Carloading Freight Company as a Tow Motor Operator and Teamster. He and his family loved taking road trips up California’s Northern Coast and exploring all of California’s vast landscape in places like Big Sur, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and San Francisco.
At all of his homes, Al took great pride when he was complimented on his landscaping and home maintenance. Being a hands-on kind of guy (and self-professed neat freak), Al did all of his own landscaping, upkeep, and pool servicing. Being a lover of plants, he loved to tell stories and share knowledge about nature. Al and Celeste loved hosting parties for family and friends
In 2007, Al became a grandpa to Chloe Katherine who added even more light to his life. Being a grandpa became one of his biggest roles in life as he went to every soccer game, recital, birthday, and event. He never missed a milestone in his granddaughter’s life.
Additionally, Al had a deep passion for cars. He loved to bond with his son over, and reminisce about, old escapades in his many sharp sets of wheels. One of his favorite cars was the ‘65 Buick Gran Sport Riviera. For his 82nd birthday Mark surprised Al by renting his dad a Riviera for the day. They then drove it to see one of Al’s favorite bands -- the Rolling Stones -- at the Rose Bowl with family and friends.
Survived by his loving wife Celeste, son Mark, daughter-in-law Darlene, and granddaughter Chloe, Al’s greatest legacy is his family. Al was a kind, loving, and thoughtful soul that will always live on in the memories of his loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a lung cancer association of your choosing.
*Kiddie cruise - In the 1950s, the Navy gave 17-year-olds (with permission of their legal guardians) the opportunity to sign up and serve a three-year enlistment instead of four, getting out of the service when they turned 21 years old.
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