Alfred “Al” Amaral passed away August 21, 2018 at the age of 78 with his family by his side. Al was born in Newman, California, and was the oldest of four boys of Fred and Mary Amaral. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1958, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1964 from the School of Agriculture Management.
After graduation, Al took a position in the agriculture credit department at Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco and continued his education to receive his MBA from Golden Gate College. In 1967, Al returned to Cal Poly to teach agriculture management, and then in 1971 he accepted a position as the Executive Director of the Cal Poly Foundation. Al spent the next 29 years providing leadership, vision and expertise to the Cal Poly Foundation until retiring in 2000; a job he loved.
During Al’s retirement, he kept very busy participating on numerous boards and committees, faithfully serving the communities of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly. Al loved spending time with family and friends and cherished many wonderful years at Bass Lake enjoying quality family time and great chicken BBQs. He also really enjoyed his daily trip to the Elks Lodge, visiting with friends and solving the problems of the world.
Al leaves behind his wife Rose, who was his best friend and the love of his life for 53 years; his children Rosemarie Amaral, and Fred Amaral; his brother Robert Amaral; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Al is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary Amaral; and his brothers, John Amaral Sr. and Gary Amaral.
Al was an incredible man and irreplaceable. He was a great listener to many and his guidance will be deeply missed. Al will forever live in our hearts. Full Steam Ahead!
A service will be held at the Old Mission San Luis Obispo (751 Palm) on August 30, 2018 (Rosary at 9:30am and funeral Mass at 10:00am), interment at the Old Mission Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum (101 Bridge St.), and Celebration of Life at the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge (222 Elks Lane) immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Al & Rose Amaral Agricultural Enterprise Program Endowment at the Cal Poly Foundation, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0443 or to the Community Counseling Center (CCC), 1129 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, or a favorite charity.
