Albert 'Al' Brockus

Profile of Albert J Brockus

   After leaving South Pasadena High School I moved to Glen Ellen in Sonoma County where I worked on my cousin's farm and attended Santa Rosa Junior College majoring in Viticulture. I returned to South Pasadena in 1972 to help my grandparents Albert and Hattie Mae Adams, who were declining in heath. They were responsible for raising me during my Junior and Senior High School years.
   During this time I helped open and direct the South Pasadena Youth Center (AKA: Blazos Palace.) I was responsible for putting on several dance concerts. After my Grandparents passed, I decided to move to Marin County to be near my remaining family members.
   I ran into a friend from South Pasadena class of 1969, who was managing a wine shop in Sausalito. This is where I learned about California wine and we made many trips to the wineries to meet with the wine makers and sample their latest wines being released. I also had the opportunity to attend wine tastings at the San Francisco Vintner’s Club. I was then approached by an old friend about moving back to South Pasadena to work for him. The great opportunity turned out to be not so great. I then returned to the wine business both as a store manager and a sommelier.
   In 1980 I met my wife Mary. Although I don’t have any children of my own, I helped raise her children and I now have two granddaughters who have lived with us most of their lives and are now in college. During this time I have worked in retail sales and management and currently work as a general manager for a local painting contractor who is also from the class of 1969.
   Over the past several years I have attended the annual all year class reunion at Garfield Park. I have noticed that most of the volunteers are from classes dating back to 1941 and only a few from classes in 60's and 70's. Those of us who were lucky enough to grow up in South Pasadena know how special our life long friendships are with fellow classmates. I have recently gotten involved with the Alumni Association and look forward in assisting them with the many events and programs that they do to help keep us all connected.