Albert James Draper, Jr.

DRAPER, ALBERT J., Jr. - Al left us on October 23, 2014 following a short illness, just three weeks prior to his 99th birthday. He leaves his widow; Harriet of Santa Rosa, CA, son's; James (Sheryl) of San Rafael, CA, Edwin (Theresa) of Bremerton, WA and Gregory (Rebecca) of Windsor, CA, as well as ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He and Harriet celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past June. Al was born in Galveston, TX. In 1935 he came to San Francisco with his brothers; Milton and Richard, to start a new life. Al was an employee of Pacific Bell for forty years, working as an Outside Plant Engineer. During WWII, he served in the artillery with Third Army under General Patton. He was past president of the San Francisco Council of Telephone Pioneers. One important action of this group was recycling of telephone equipment that had been scheduled for trash. He enjoyed outdoor activities, hiking and skiing in the High Sierra, where he spent many vacations with his family. He is past president of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club. He and Harriet lived in Redwood City for thirty-four years before moving to Sonoma County, enjoying the beauty of Oakmont and all the activities that the Valley of the Moon offered. He joined the Oakmont Hiking Club, exploring the many trips to local and state-wide parks. Star of the Valley Church became an important part of his spiritual life where he sang in the choir and attended services. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass to Celebrate Al's Life on Friday, November 7, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at Star of the Valley Catholic Church (545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa [Oakmont], CA, 95409). Private inurnment; Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contribution's in Al's name are preferred to either Memorial Hospice (821 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401) - or-Star of the Valley Catholic Church.