In Memory

Coach Al Pimentel (Physical Education)

Coach Al Pimentel (Physical Education)

From The Daily Republic

Al ‘Coach’ Pimentel

 

Oct. 8, 1937 — March 21, 2017

A longtime Fairfield High School baseball coach, Al Pimentel peacefully passed on March 21, 2017. As he did throughout life, Al remained strong in his six-year battle with cancer.

Al graduated from Antioch High School where he played varsity baseball. While he attended San Jose State University, the Pittsburgh Pirates tried to draft Al his junior year, but he elected to finish college. The next year, a broken right hand from an inside fast-ball ended Al’s prospects of a professional baseball career.

Upon graduating from SJSU, Al moved to Fairfield and began his teaching career at Armijo High School. He taught physical education, world geography and coached. In 1964, Al transferred to Fairfield High School where he was the varsity baseball head coach for more than 30 years, repeatedly leading his teams to playoffs. In addition to baseball, Al coached basketball and football. His football highlight was coaching an undefeated freshman team. Al retired in 2000 as the Athletic Director.

During retirement, Al enjoyed doing home projects, traveling and assisting Beverly with Canine Companions for Independence. Al’s true passion, however, was the outdoors. He was a conservationist and wildlife lover. Throughout Al’s 20 years as a Hunter Safety Instructor, he shared his respect for the environment as well as the inhabitants of the land he loved. There was fire in his eyes and excitement in his voice whenever Al recounted a fishing experience about a perfect cast or a hunting encounter with a fine animal. He thrilled to be in the ruggedness of Wyoming, oak covered coastal hills of California, a muddy duck blind with a wet dog, or a humble field on the edge of town.

Al was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. Al is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter, Debbie; son, Mike; stepdaughters, Kelly (Scott) and Amy (Dylan); stepson, Greg (Tammy); five grandchildren; his brother, Bob (Shirley); niece, Anne; nephew, Mark; many cousins; and Hammer, his faithful yellow Labrador.

Al will be missed for his vibrancy and his ability to tell stories.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in his Davis home. The family invites friends and colleagues to join them at 4208 El Macero Drive.



 
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05/16/17 07:36 PM #1    

Casey Coppock (1971)

Al Pinmentel ( Big Al).  He was one of my favorite coaches.  Whenever I returned to see a game after graduating he would call out my name and acknowledge me, and with that booming voice everyone heard it. RIP coach.

 


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