It is with great sadness that we announce that Albert Joseph Ventura Jr. of Norwalk passed away, September 29, 2017.  Albert was surrounded by his loved ones, which included his adoring wife, Gayle Moreau Ventura and his children.

Albert was the beloved son of Albert Ventura Sr. and Mary Ann Armas Ventura of Santa Maria where he was born on July 2, 1941.  Throughout his life,  Albert was also known as Al, AJ and Son. Al was fortunate to have friends and extended Ventura family members that grew up together and remained close for the rest of his life.  He graduated from Santa Maria Union High School in 1959.  It was there that he met the spirited, Erika Neu Ventura.  They were married in 1960 and were together 27 years and had 3 children. As a young father he worked diligently for many years at Home Motors Chevrolet.  Then, bravely following his dream of being a law enforcement officer he moved his family to Los Angeles in 1970 to attend the Los Angeles Police Academy.  He was a proud 28 year veteran of the LAPD  during his time on the force he made a positive impact in patrol, vice and as a detective in bunco/forgery. Fellow officers and colleagues remember him as someone who victims of crime gravitated to for comfort. It was here that he met and fell in love with the remarkably kind Gayle Moreau and they married in 1994. The couple spent the last 28 years of his life devoted to one another.

Albert is also survived by 3 cherished children and their families: son Allen Scott Ventura, his wife Nancy and their sons, Corey, Conner & Carson.  Daughter Kelly Ventura Fairley, husband Terry & children Kacey and Kyleen.  Daughter Heidi Ventura Domingo, husband Jimmie & children Jarin, Joshua & Janisa. He also leaves behind his dear sister and brother, Marjorie Arbuckle and Gilbert Ventura of Santa Maria.

Al was the loving, steady patriarch of the Ventura family and was dedicated not only to his children but was affectionately known as Papa to his 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Al was fondly called Uncle Son by his 3 nieces, Randie, Candice and Kim who adored him as well. He will be deeply missed by his family as well as fellow officers and many lifelong friends who share the family's grief.

As a young man, Al rode Harley Davidsons and enjoyed long motorcycle rides with friends. He was also an avid golfer and fisherman. He went on many ocean fishing adventures with friends and family, primarily to Loreto. His children and grandchildren, family and friends and countless young people have lasting memories  of fishing trips and bonding moments at Cardinal Village in Bishop. They intend to honor him by carrying on these treasured traditions with their own families.

Al will be remembered as a man of character, courage and fortitude as well as for his boisterous personality, sense of humor and hearty laugh. He was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was above all, a humble man, who never spoke of himself and who was constantly there for family and friends, always without judgment, never wanting credit or attention.  One never had to wonder what he was thinking though and he made his expectations clear. However, he was also endlessly complimentary, and he made everyone else in any room feel more important than he was and each person left his company feeling valued, cared and empowered. He has left a legacy of hard work and dedication to family and this will be an inspiration for generations to come.

You are at home now, your journey is complete.  We know you will watch over us as you always have.