- Date Of Death: January 27, 2017
- State: New Mexico
Albert Arrigoni, always known as Al, passed away at his home on January 27, 2017, surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Rena Menicucci Arrigoni and daughters, Regina and Annette and several of his caregivers.
Al was born in Chicago, IL, on July 13, 1926. His immigrant parents owned a small grocery store with the family living quarters at the back of the store. During World War II, he served his country in the United States Navy, serving primarily in the Atlantic on ships taking goods to England. In 1949, his parents, Al, and younger brother Roland moved to Albuquerque. Several occupations followed until in 1951 Ray McCanna hired Al to work as a broker at P. F. McCanna, Inc., Albuquerque’s oldest real estate and insurance firm, having been established in 1888. Al, without a college education and with Ray McCanna as his mentor, quickly learned the real estate business and became very successful in representing buyers and sellers of commercial real estate. Years later, Al and Wilfred J. Brennan became the owners of their own real estate and insurance firm. He was proud of the fact he and Wilfred were able to provide not only for their families but also for those who worked with them, always stressing the need for higher education of the children of their employees.
Without a doubt, one of the most memorable achievements of Al’s life was when he and Rena spearheaded the founding of Casa Angelica, a home for children with developmental disabilities, to benefit their daughter Arlene and the many children who likewise needed loving care. Overcoming many hurdles, they were able to have Casa Angelica staffed by nuns from Italy, the Canossian Daughters of Charity. Acreage in the South Valley was purchased, a mortgage arranged, guaranteed by the Arrigoni’s and other community minded citizens, and a facility constructed. Casa Angelica opened in 1967 and although Arlene died many years ago, the home remains in operation, a godsend to our community. Rena and Al founded the Casa Angelica Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) corporation which provides funds to Casa Angelica.
Al served on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Board of Realtors, New Mexico Association of Industrial and Office Properties, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe as well as the Board of Directors of First National Bank in Albuquerque, First Security Bank and Bank of Albuquerque. He was President of the Casa Angelica Foundation for many years. He was also a member of many professional organizations such as the National Association of Realtors and Independent Insurance Agents. He was a member of the Albuquerque Country Club where his friends knew he loved gin rummy, poker, and golf but few knew of his philanthropy.
He was a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
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