Obituary of Albert Emil Lerno

Albert Lerno, born June 27, 1923 and passed on to Heaven December 24, 2011. Albert was created in Belgium (something he always took pride in and shared with family and friends), and was born in Los Alamitos, California to Lawrence and Romanie Lerno, immigrants from Belgium. He was a farmer all his life with time out to serve in the United States Navy on the USS Miami during World War II. Albert first farmed in Orange County and in 1956 moved to Newman, a small farming community in the Central Valley. In Newman, Albert was a successful farmer and enjoyed teaching his sons a good honest living. He served on the first Newman/Gustine United School District School Board. In 1980, Albert and Carol purchased a condo in Santa Cruz and began long friendships with the community and its people. In 1987 he suffered a stroke; but fought back and was able to continue his daily trips to the wharf where he met with many acquaintances to have coffee. He always had breakfast at Gilda's with Robert Stagnaro, his dearest friend. Albert is survived by his devoted spouse of 40 years: Carol Lerno of Santa Cruz; his sons, all still residing in Newman: Larry Lerno (Alida) and family, Garry Lerno (Bobi) and family, Jerry Lerno (Nancy) and family; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; Carol's son: Frank Azevedo (Barbara) and family, residing in Gustine. He also has nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. His parents and three sisters preceded Albert in death: Madeleine Goman, Elizabeth Adkins and Margret Cosyns. The mother of his sons, Yvonne Lerno died in 2011. Albert loved his family and friends and until the last few years enjoyed gardening and handyman work around the house. We want to thank the staff at Driftwood Care Facility for taking such good care of Albert during his final year. There will be no services; a private burial will be held at the National Veterans Cemetery in Santa Nella at a later date. All remembrances should go to your favorite charity in Albert's honor, please.