Albert R. Santucci ’43 died January 12, 2012 in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 90.
Dearly beloved husband of Florence Santucci, wife of 68 years, loving father of Stephen Santucci ‘68 (Lauren) and Russell Santucci ‘70 (Janet), cherished grandfather "Gramps" of Stephen Santucci Jr. (Peggy McNiel), Amy Leonard (Brian), Dominic Santucci (Kristy), Tracy Alldred (Derek), and Sara Santucci, great-grandfather of Matthew, Patrick, Isabella, Sophia, Juliana, Vincent, Ella, Jake and Cody.
Born on December 9, 1921 to Albert and Esther Santucci in San Francisco, he grew up in the Marina district. Al was a graduate of both Saint Ignatius High School in 1939 and Santa Clara University, class of 1943. An All-American Football Player, and member of SCU’s Athletic Hall of Fame, he is best remembered and loved by his Bronco buddies as "Snooch". They remained close friends through the decades and shared over and over again the fun memories of those good old college years centered around football.
Al’s name remained synonymous with Santa Clara football and the Little Big Game years. Despite professional draft interest by the Chicago Bears (his real love was for the 49ers), Al had completed ROTC training while at Santa Clara and entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant after he and the love of his life, Florence, were married in 1944.
After a brief stay in Paris, Texas, Albert went off to the War, serving his country with honor. Fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in the Field Artillery as Forward Observer. Al was wounded and held captive as a POW in Germany for several months before returning home to his beloved family. He received the Purple Heart for his outstanding bravery and courage in defending his country.
Al worked in the family linen supply business, Peerless Linen, until 1997, serving as chairman of the Board of New San Francisco Laundry.
His love of golf afforded him many wonderful years as a member of the Presidio Golf Club and the Olympic Club where he also served on its Board of Directors. He was a member of the Pacific Club of San Francisco and spent many hours in fundraising with the men’s club for Riordan High School and the Marianists where his sons attended school. The Jesuit Community and SCU Bronco Bench were naturally favorites of his.
Active in all of his sons’ sports, he later became his grandchildrens’ strongest supporter on and off the field throughout their grammar school, high school and college years. "Big Al’s" physical strength was only a small indication of his inner strength and gentle heart. His warm smile, sense of humor and above all, unconditional love and care of his family will forever be remembered and cherished.