Albert Paul Rogel

Albert Paul Rogel 

December 14, 1925 – May 15, 2024

Rancho Cordova-Long-time resident Albert P. Rogel passed early morning May 15th. Al, born in Alliance, Ohio, was one of eight children to John and Mary (Sever) who emigrated to the United States from Slovenia. On Al's 18th birthday, he was drafted into the US Army for WWII, where he received the prestigious Purple Heart and Silver Star for rescuing 12 wounded casualties caught in a minefield in the midst of enemy mortar fire and sustaining life-threatening wounds. After the war, he earned his physics degree through Case and John Carroll University, where he met his first wife Mary Lou (Wurstner) at the Newman Center. Together, they moved to Rancho Cordova and raised five kids until Mary Lou’s passing in 1989.

Al initially worked on the Polaris Submarine Missile Project with Aerojet, until he dedicated over 40 years at McClellan AFB. Working as a non-destructive inspection manager, he invented the Automatic Eddy Current Bolt-Hole Scanner, which could detect corrosion in airplanes. He retired at the age of 81, but remained active in volunteering efforts and political advocacy for the remainder of his life, including Rancho Cordovan of the year, 2016. He is well-known to many in the community as an incredible father, helpful neighbor, avid gardener, strong man of faith, and amazing war hero.

Al leaves behind an immense void in the hearts of what he would describe as his proudest triumph – his family. Beloved wife Sue of 31 years; children Regina (dec.), John (m. Jean), Robert (m. Sadayo), Claire Martschinske (m. Gary), and Jean Santa-Pinter (m. Alex); 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. A memorial will be held at 2pm on May 23rd at St. John Vianney Church, Rancho Cordova.

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