Albert John Gonella Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce that retired Fire Captain Albert John Gonella, Jr. has answered his LAST ALARM. Al was born in Merced, California, on November 19, 1944 to Albert John Gonella, Sr. and Margaret R. Gonella and peacefully passed away on November 21, 2015.

Al was preceded in death by his father, Albert, Sr. He is survived by his mother Margaret Gonella, his daughter Jill (Christopher) Amherst, his grandson Zane Pratt, his sisters Joann (Jay) Durmanich, Natalie (Sal) Guzman, Mary (Dan) Wentz and Nanette (Jim) Lacey. His is also survived by his nephews JJ (Vanessa) Durmanich and Matthew (Lisa) VanHagen, nieces Stefani Derrick, Michelle (Chris) Glenn, Kristin Lacey and his girlfriend, Cheryl Lattimer.

Al resided in Merced all of his life He graduated from El Capitan High School in 1963. He received his AA degree in Fire Science from Merced College.

Al joined the Merced City Fire Department in July 1974 and rose through the ranks becoming a Captain. He retired in October 2002. Prior to becoming a fire fighter, Al worked at Safeway for 14 years.

From a young age, Al loved all things relating to model airplanes and cars. He was a Ford man all the way. Al started working on race cars with Rod Poor and Doug George. He was Kenny Shepherd’s spotter on the NASCAR Southwest Tour. Al later began setting up and running professional race events. It has been said that he was amazing with timing and scoring. Al made many friends in racing and will be greatly missed in the racing community.

Al had a great love for his family, Cheryl, his friends, his firefighter brothers and his cats. He was an avid S.F. Giants and 49er fan. He was a member of the Merced Elks Lodge BPOE #1240.

Al had an easy smile, engaging personality and was easy to talk to. He was loved by many and will be terribly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to express its thanks to the staff from Hinds Hospice and Mission Gardens for the excellent care they gave Al in his final days.

The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 28 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 671 E. Yosemite Avenue in Merced. Reception immediately following at Merced Elks Lodge. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to New Beginnings for Animals, PO Box 1045, Winton, Ca 95388 or Merced Hinds Hospice, 410 W. Main Street, Suite A, Merced, CA 95340.