Albert Bruno Del Masso, 87, of Castro Valley, passed away June 14, 2014 from cardiac arrest. His devoted family was by his side.
He was born to Joseph and Catherine Del Masso in Pocahontas, Illinois on June 19, 1926. Raised during the Depression Era, Albert learned, at a very early age, the value of friends ... and shoes with soles.
After high school, Albert joined the Merchant Marines and proudly served his term in the South Pacific. Upon returning from the war, Albert found work in the produce industry; a profession, he would often say with a smile, “Where they put us Italians."
In 1947, Albert started his own produce delivery business out of the trunk of his Studebaker. During those tedious 20-hour days, he still managed to bring much-needed levity to the produce terminal, which helped everyone get through the hard times.
Today, his one-car delivery business has grown into a 25-vehicle fleet (Bay Cities Produce Company, Inc.) with 130 employees – his extended family. Albert was a true patriot, successful businessman, humanitarian and advocated on behalf of victims of violence and countless others in need.
He was a loyal and loving family man and friend, who truly made a difference in every life he touched. As one family member described him, “He was larger than life!”
Albert is survived by his loving wife, Diana; daughters, Connie and Cathy; son, Steve; granddaughter, Casey; grandson, Vince; great-grandchildren, Elisa and “Lil” Vince, stepson, Jeff, Bay Cities Produce Company “family” and a host of friends.
Services to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the Del Masso family requests those
wishing to contribute, to please consider making donations to Citizens Against
Homicide, Del Masso Family Children’s Fund in Markleeville and/or Pacific Legal
Foundation.
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