Obituary of Alvin Tosta

Alvin Joseph Tosta passed away peacefully in Santa Cruz on November 18, 2010 with the comfort of lifelong friends Norma and Roger Gintert at his side. He was 86 years old. Al, or A.J. as he was known to many friends, was born on September 18, 1924 in Newman, California to Frank and Josephine Tosta. He graduated from Gustine High School in 1942 and shortly thereafter moved to Santa Cruz to live with his grandmother and attend Salinas Junior College (Hartnell Community College). It was on the bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas that he met the love of his life, Barbara Morgan of Soquel, whom he married in 1945. Also on the bus with Al was lifelong friend, Jim Wilson. Al and Barbara were married for 62 years until her death in 2007. During his early years in Santa Cruz, Al was the parts manager for the Prolo Chevrolet Company. In 1957 at the age of 33, he purchased Santa Cruz Auto Parts which he owned for over 40 years. That same year Al was awarded "The Outstanding Young Man of the Year" by the Santa Cruz Junior Chamber of Commerce. He went on to serve as president of the Greater Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Santa Cruz County Community Chest, the Downtown Lions Club and the Dominican Hospital Foundation. As part of his responsibilities as Chairman of the Chamber's Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Al served as president of the Miss California Pageant. In the early 1970's, he was co-chairman of the fundraising campaign to open Marello Prep High School. Along with a passion for fundraising and golf, Al served as president of the nonprofit Santa Cruz Public Recreation Corporation raising $360,500 in seed money for the site-lease rental of the property now known as Delaveaga Golf Course. Through his business associations, Al was elected president of the California Automotive Wholesalers Association in 1985, served as president of the Pacific Automotive Show in 1986 and as chairman of the Automotive Service Industry Association in 1987. Al was an avid golfer, participating in many community tournaments and along with buddy Jim Wilson never missed an opening day of duck hunting season in over 50 years. In his last days, Al expressed his gratitude for the many opportunities he had to travel with his wife, Barbara for both business and personal pleasure. Al is survived by his loving children, Timothy Tosta of San Mateo, wife Nancy and 3 children, Meredith, James and Jillian and a daughter, Kathy Baker of Boulder Colorado, her husband Jack and children Ryan and Megan. Al, or "Papa" as he was known to his grandchildren loved spending time with them and was their number one supporter in academic and athletic endeavors. Al is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 24 at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church, 7600 Soquel Dr. Aptos, followed by internment at Oakwood Memorial Park where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Barbara. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Al's name to the Dominican Hospital Foundation, 1555 Soquel Dr. Santa Cruz, Ca 95065 or Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley CA 95066.