Albert "Big Al" Piantanida

Albert "Big Al" Piantanida, age 76, passed away peacefully in his Arleta home on September 1st after a long battle with cancer. His loving wife, Gina, and beloved daughter, Maggie, were at his bedside.

Al was originally from East St. Louis, Illinois, and eventually settled in the Arleta area of the San Fernando Valley. He was a proud and very active resident of Arleta for more than 30 years. Big Al considered himself a "team" member of the community and felt that building a better world started in everyone's backyard, an affirmation that he selflessly performed on a daily basis. Al's most esteemed honor was serving in the military during the Vietnam War. It was Al's dedication to all those that served in the military, past and present, that underlined all his passion and fervor for community service.

In his lifetime, he worked for the University of California school systems for 20 years. He was also a businessman in the automotive industry where he subsequently retired from.

Some of his most notable accomplishments:

• Member of American legion posts in Panorama City

• President of Arleta Neighborhood Council

• Member of Arleta Chamber of Commerce

• President of Village Green East Homeowners Associations

• 25 year member of Arleta "Looky Loos" Neighborhood Watch Group

• Graduate of Los Angeles Police Department Community Police Academy and Community Detective Academy

• Founder and President of Arleta Community Watchdogs Organization

• Member of California Proposition K, LA For Kids Program

• Member of Los Angeles Policy Advisory Board

• 2011 recipient of Pacoima Spirit Award

• Member of the Panorama Baptist Church and Food Pantry

• Visionary and major contributor of the North East San Fernando Valley Nature Parkway

• Participant in many projects and events at Arleta High School

• Participant in many projects and events at Valor Academy Charter School

• Partner in events and donations with Affordable Housing Providers of America

• Member of Congressman Tony Cardenas’ Veterans Advisory Committee

• Dedicated constituent and advocate for Secretary of State Alex Padilla, CA Congressman Tony Cárdenas, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Nury Martinez CD-6 and Felipe Fuentes CD-7, in addition to their respective staff

Survived by:

His mother, Betty; his sisters, Jeanie (Jack) and Cheryl (Rod); and his nephews and

nieces.

His wife, Gina and her daughter, Linda (Matthew) and their children, Flynn and Josie.

His son and daughter-in-law, John and Marina; grandchildren, Heather (Robert) and

Justin; and great-grandchildren, Jazmyn, Dominique, Tonja, and Anessa.

His daughter and son-in-law, Maggie and Andy; grandchildren, Nate, Caitie (Zach), and

Julianne; and great-grandsons, Jayden and Tayson.

Preceded in death:

His father, Bob; his brother, Tommy; his son, Tim; and others that he loved dearly.

Viewing and Funeral Services will held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall, CA 91321.

Public viewing will be on Thursday, September 10th from 4pm-8pm. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 11th from 1pm-4pm.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to your local food bank or a local school of your choice on behalf of our beloved, Big Al.