Alfred Joseph Vega ,better known by all as Al, lost his 17 year courageous battle with Lymphoma cancer April 26th.th at home in Palm Coast,Florida.  Born and raised in Gilroy, he was a 1972 graduate of Gilroy High School.   Al was known for his athletic abiility being selected for the GHS tennis team all four years and his many academic achievements.

After graduation, Al attended and graduated San Diego State University with a BS in business.  He often reflected upon those years as the best of his life.  He was a four year member of the San Diego tennis team and highboy encouraged to go professional upon his graduation . His days as a college student and living with classmates in Mission Beach and sun were heaven on earth for Al.

Lack of funding foiled his chance to go pro, so he pursued a career in marketing after college graduation.  Al continued playing tennis throughout his life until he physically could no longer.  He was quite successful in the auto industry working and traveling throughout the U.S.and many European countries for Mitsubishi and retiring as a Marketing Executive for Mazda.  Upon retirement, Al moved to Palm Coast,Florida to be on the beach once again with his beloved companion, Lisa.  While in Palm Beach he became an active member of the Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

When visiting family, Al would often recount all the tales growing up in the Vega household on 6th. St in Gilroy.  He would love to reminisce of the five Vega children and their many adventures with Donny, Tish, and Danny Kludt, our neighbors.  The camping trips to Sunset beach, the mischievous pranks, and the holiday feasts at each other's homes, were cause for many laughs and fond memories.  He especially cherished learning to cook with our mom and to bar-b-que with our dad.  As a result, Al became an exceptional cook.

Al will be remembered for his diligent work ethic, quick wit, exceptional culinary skills, love of good food, and his heroic battle against cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Gloria Vega, brother Ben Vega, and brother-in-law Paul Kloecker..

He is survived by his son,Patrick Vega, St.Louis, Mo., his faithful and loving companion, Lisa Luggar, Palm, Coast, Fla., Robert Vega (Carol),brother, Glenwood City, Wisconsin, Patricia Vega Kloecker, sister Gilroy,Ca. Laura Vega Simoneau (Mike) sister, Madison, Conn.,Tina Vega, sister-in-law, Gilroy,Ca.,first wife, Rhonda Reynolds, La Quinta, Ca.and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude's Hospital.