Lasting Memories

Albert R. Santos
1918-May 14, 2007
Palo Alto, California

Albert R. Santos, 89, longtime resident of Palo Alto, died May 14.

He was born on a Santa Clara Valley ranch and graduated from Santa Clara High School in 1936. Drafted into the Army in May 1941, he transferred to the Army Air Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

After World War II, he and his wife settled in Palo Alto. In 1948 he joined the newly formed California Air National Guard unit at Hayward. In 1974 he became the commander of the 129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group at Hayward. His final assignment was Deputy Commander, California Air National Guard, retiring in 1977 with the rank of Brigadier General.

During his 36-year career as a military aviator he flew 32 types of aircraft and received 21 decorations.

For many years he was a member of the Palo Alto Yacht Club, the Quiet Birdman and the Classic Sports Racing Group, reflecting his love of sailing, flying and cars. In retirement he restored a number of classic and vintage race cars which he raced in events throughout the West.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Santos of Palo Alto; son, Brad Santos of San Jose; and daughter, Carolyn Nelson of Tubac, Ariz.