Obituary of Alberto Jorrin

Al Jorrin is the ultimate example of when life hands you lemon, you make lemonade. He had an unconventional childhood, having lost his mother at the young age of 12. Due to the fact that his father was unable to take him in, he went to live in California with his aunt and uncle for a while, and at the age of 15 came to live with his sister, Josie, until she married the father of her two children. He went off on his own at the young age of 17 and was on his way to find his way in the world. Where a lot of people might not have made it thus far for different reasons, Al persevered. He had a diverse career in sales, traveling to many exotic places, and living in different parts of the U.S. He settled down in 1996 when he married his then wife, Patty. He was stable and happy, and for years worked at OMG, the On-Hold Company. At one point late in his marriage, he decided to try something different, owning his own flood company. He enjoyed the flood business even though he would get called out at all hours for flood emergencies. He and his crew would clean it up, and leave it like it never happened. This job endeavor made him happy as it paid well and also allowed him to truly help people in distress. Unfortunately, it was around this time that he also hit a low point and got divorced from his ex-wife Patty. He went back to sales, again traveling all over the U.S. as well as internationally. You hear of people who can sell ice to an Eskimo; trust me when I tell you that Al was the guy who could sell the ice to the distributor that sold to the Eskimo. He thrived in sales; he fed off of the intense energy. He was one of the very best and as such, always remained in great demand. He could literally quit a job in the morning and he would be working at a different place in the afternoon. His work ethic was incomparable. He never had an excuse for NOT going to work. Al's passions were varied but the core of his being was his absolute love for his family and anyone he chose to call his friend. He loved cars, the ocean, and of course, the ladies. He was happiest when the ocean was involved. He could just be sitting on the sand looking at the water, swimming in the water, diving into the water or being on a boat; he was ecstatic on the water. His quick wit and boisterous laugh lit up every gathering he attended. It could be a party, where he literally BECAME the party, or with a group of friends out to dinner, or even just sitting outside on the back porch with his family. Whenever Al was present, you were sure to end up laughing and having a good time. He was a news junkie and he was highly intelligent. He was an avid reader and was a sponge for knowledge. Those attributes made a deadly combination when engaged in any type of a debate. It was difficult to win an argument when Al was involved. Infuriating, and admirable, both at the same time. I remember a conversation with him one time and we were discussing a very intelligent individual that we both knew. I said "That kid is so smart… he's beyond brilliant… I can see him becoming a millionaire one day." To which he responded "Listen Josie, intelligence has nothing to do with becoming a millionaire… look at me." We both laughed. He was joking and poking fun at himself, but it was the truth. If indeed there existed a direct correlation between intelligence and wealth, Albert would have been a multi-billionaire. Of all his attributes mentioned, the most admirable was his heart of gold. Al had a tough life… sometimes as a result of fate, and sometimes as a result of his own choices. But no matter whether he was at a high point or a low point, he was always ready to either lend a helping hand or simply provide words of encouragement. If you were someone he considered a friend, he was fiercely loyal. You never knew whether Al was doing well or struggling. That being said, anyone he cared for, if he was needed, he was there for you regardless of his personal circumstances. He depicted the cliché of someone that would give the shirt of their back. Plain and simple, he was a beautiful human being whose life was cut short way too early. The void he leaves behind is immense, to say the least. He was beyond bigger than life and will be sorely missed for years to come. None of us know what God's plan is, but He must have something major in the works that only Al was good enough to help Him accomplish. This can be the only explanation as to why God chose to take him Home so early. Albert, we miss you, we love you and we will cherish you for all time. Al Jorrin is survived by his sisters, Alexi Gutierrez and Josie Pupo-Bassford, his brother-in-law, Charles Bassford, his niece, Janelle DellaLibera Genao, his nephew, Gabriel DellaLibera, his aunts and uncles, Frank and Oilda Gutierrez, Tony and Maria Gutierrez, and their children, his cousins. He is also survived by extended family siblings, Victor R. Pupo, Frank Pupo and Estrellita Zayas Bazan. Last but certainly not least, some of his happiest memories as a child were when his father was married to Estrellita's mom, Angelita Zayas- Bazan. Believe it or not, Angelita and our mother actually became friends. They both had similar fun personalities, but I'm sure one of the driving forces of that friendship is that Angelita loved my brother as her own. Albert is also survived by his step-mother, Angelita Zayas- Bazan.