Albert Fernando Bottero

Albert Fernando Bottero

(Also known as “Potch” or “Obbie” Bottero)

Dec. 19, 1927 – Aug. 2, 2017

Al was 89 years old, and a second generation, lifelong resident of Valona (Crockett), CA.  He fought a strong battle but after a sudden emergency, requiring two surgeries and almost a week in ICU in critical condition, he passed away with immediate family members by his side.

He is survived by his Partner of the last 11 years, Bruna Guerra, his Son & Best Friend Larry Bottero, Daughter-in-law Cynthia Bottero, Granddaughter Gina Soleimanieh, Grandson-in-law Ben, Great-Grandchildren Benjamin and Georgia Soleimanieh, and several Nieces and Nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Norma (White) Bottero, Granddaughter Jennifer Bottero, Parents Leon & Maria Bottero, Sisters Rita Stuckman and Pearl “Tina” Talken, and Niece Diane Diggs.

Al was born on Francis St, in the house right next door to the house he lived in his adult life.  He was only 15 when his father passed away, and had to go to work part-time at C&H Sugar Refinery to help support the family.  After graduating from John Swett High School, he began working full time and learned to become a true craftsman from the old timers there who took him under their wings.  He retired from C&H as a Pipe Fitter after 44 years of service. 

He also was a Crockett Volunteer Fireman, and for years volunteered much of his time and wisdom to the Boys Scouts of America while helping his son become an Eagle Scout.  He believed it to be a great organization, and was made proud again when his Great-Grandson also became an Eagle Scout years later.  Besides his Mother/Rita’s house and their own, Al and Larry remodeled many homes together, but most of all, they shared a great love for hunting.  One of Al’s happiest moments was when he was finally drawn for a hunt on Grizzly Island in Sept. 2015, and with Larry by his side, became one of the oldest hunters there to harvest an Elk. 

After his retirement, he traveled a lot with his family visiting many wonderful places together until Norma became so ill that he had to become her primary caregiver and rarely left her side.  Once again, he had to learn many new skills.  He became a great cook, but more importantly, learned all the medical information needed to take great care of Norma.  The last 5 years of her life were even more difficult when she became wheelchair bound but he continued to do it all, saying he was ok and didn’t need any help, not to worry. But as a primary caregiver myself now for the past 2 1/2 years, I truly understand how unbelievably hard and all consuming this loving task was for him and admire him even more. 

Al traveled back and forth from Crockett to Dunsmuir, CA, and loved staying up there whenever the weather was good.  In Dunsmuir, he was known to many as the “Mushroom Whisperer”.   If there was a wild mushroom to be found, (above, or below ground) Al knew where it was.  I remember when I first started mushroom hunting with him, we had to leave the house at sun up, and once there, we had to be quiet and not dig for the mushrooms too deep.  But I didn’t know how deep they were, so how could I find them underground if I didn’t dig down until I found them?  Never hunting mushrooms before, I didn’t understand why we always had to get up so early to hunt them.  Were they going to be harder to find after the sun came up?  Why did we have to be quiet?  We were on vacation and I like visiting, laughing, and asking questions when learning something new.  Could the mushrooms hear us coming and hide, or go further underground?  I just couldn’t find them as easy as Al did, no matter how hard I tried.  I would wander from tree to tree looking down at the ground trying to find one, only to finally look up and realize that everyone was gone.  I had no idea where I was, or how to get back to the car.  After many hunting trips, I figured out not to panic, because Larry would always be close by hiding behind a tree, making sure I wouldn’t get lost.  Years later things finally stop being so ridged and I started enjoying mushroom hunting, because it wasn’t so serious, or about how many we collected, it was about spending time with love ones, and enjoying being together as often as possible.

The Bottero’s (Al, Larry, and Gina) seem to love discussing/arguing very loudly about almost everything, and to others it might seem that they are really mad at each other, but a few minutes later they don’t even remember raising their voices, and they weren’t one bit mad.  A unique family, that’s for sure.

Albert shared his talents with many people and helped anyone in need.  He might have seemed tuff on the outside, but to me, he was a sweet, loving man, who had a sweet tooth as big as mine.  We shared many desserts together, BEFORE dinner, and I’ll always remember him with a big smile on his face the next time I’m eating dessert, or doing something else I enjoyed doing with him.  I still feel him with us, but will dearly miss him and our conversations, learning things from him that only come with many years of living, and hearing his gravely voice. 

(Written with much Love by Cindy Bottero)

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