Somis, California
Alfred Michael Cavaletto, born February 1, 1933 in Santa Barbara, CA, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013, in Camarillo, CA.
He graduated from Goleta Union School, LaCumbre Junior High and in 1950 from Santa Barbara High School. Al attended California State Polytechnic College, Voorhis Campus, San Dimas (prior to it moving to Pomona) majoring in Fruit Production. The last semester was at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and he graduated in 1954.
Al was a member of the Goleta 4-H Club for 10 years raising hogs and steers. He also played the saxophone in the school bands.
Al spent two years in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Ford Ord, CA., Fort Bliss, TX and Mt. Gleason, CA. , a Nike missile site on the mountains above Pasadena.
While Al was in college he met his wife, Elaine Mehlschau, on a blind date set up by his cousin Mike. Both being members of farm families they had a lot in common and were married in 1955, while Al was in the Army. Son, Richard was born in September 1956. Daughters, Monica and Christina were welcomed into the family in 1957 and 1960.
In February 1957, Al and Elaine moved to a ranch in Somis. They grew walnuts and in 1960 the ranch was planted to lemon and orange trees. In later years orange trees were pulled out, avocados were planted and some of the land rented to flower growers. By 1990 they were growing lemons on the entire ranch. In the last 10 years some of the land has been rented for growing raspberries.
Al was president of Ventura County Farm Bureau 1972 – 1974 and Rural Health Chairman 1980 to 1982 for CA Farm Bureau. He was on the Board of Directors of Mupu Orange and Ojai Tapo Citrus before they merged with Saticoy Lemon Association. He was most proud of giving his life to Jesus and becoming a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Ventura, CA. His love of coffee and cookies led to the Sunday morning coffee cart being named, Al’s Coffee Cart. Additionally, Al was active with the Camarillo Citizens Patrol, he especially enjoyed being an extra pair of eyes and ears for Camarillo citizen, riding around the city with other Citizen Patrol members and helping those in need; especially helping with the monthly child fingerprinting.
He enjoyed reading, watching sports on TV, and traveling, especially cruises. He joined California Women for Agriculture, Ventura Chapter and he and Elaine traveled though out CA visiting other CWA chapters. Always interested in agriculture and seeing what was growing was a highlight of these trips.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Elisa; brother, Edward and daughter, Monica.|
Al is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elaine; son, Richard (Melanie) of Atascadero CA; daughter, Christina (Gregory) of Porterville CA; son-in-law, Floyd (Christine) of Camarillo CA; grandchildren, Christopher (Marie), Benjamin (Sara), David(Claire), Joe, Analisa, Andrew, Stephanie (Christopher), Erin and Robert; step-grandsons, Abraham (Alica) and Matthew; great grandchildren, Tony, Mikey, Lily, Reed and Ryley; stepgrandchildren; Christopher, Katelyn, Nathaniel, Nick, Victoria, Austin and Kayleigh; Foreign exchange student, Anne Sele from Norway (Rio Mesa 1977); brother, Robert (Judy); sister-in-law, Margaret; as well as numerous extended family members.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 3, 2014, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014, from 9:30am until 10:45am at the Church of the Nazarene, 365 South Seaward Avenue, Ventura. Services for Al will begin at 11:00 am, with burial following at Conejo Mt. Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
