Alfred “Al” G. Dessayer
Al Dessayer, age 86, passed away on February 25, 2026 in Moraga, California. Born in Paris, France on August 26, 1939, his family immigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Glendale, California where he attended junior and high schools. He spent a year at UCLA before receiving an NROTC competitive appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Graduating with the Class of 1961 as a member of the 15th Company, he served on destroyers on the West Coast.
He resigned his commission in 1965, moved to Los Angeles, and joined the Pacific Telephone Company. For the next thirty-one years, he worked for the company which became Pac Bell, transferring between Southern and Northern California several times while progressing in the Accounting and Information Technology portions of the corporate world. He retired in December 1996.
He was always very active in volunteer work. This included coaching children’s sports at various times, presiding over a local swim club, Parents’ Club or working with numerous other volunteer organizations. He worked on the incorporation of the town of Moraga, becoming the Town Treasurer followed by Planning Commissioner. Eventually he decided to seek elected public office and was elected Councilman & Mayor serving for three terms. He was selected as Moraga’s Citizen of the Year in 1997.
After retirement he continued his civic involvement serving on numerous local boards and civic organizations. He always enjoyed sightseeing and traveling and took every opportunity to tour extensively throughout the United States, visiting all fifty states. In addition, he travelled throughout the world in over seventy-five countries. He was a bridge Life Master and enjoyed playing golf, gardening, walking, and backpacking.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, the former Alice Knight of Norfolk, Virginia; two married daughters, Janet Supple (Paul) and Kathryn Whittaker (Ken); and eight grandchildren: Tyler Supple (Sarah), Kylie (Whittaker) Askew (Ryan), Brendan Supple, Keaton Whittaker, Danielle Dessayer, Michelle Dessayer, Kullen Whittaker, and Kenley Whittaker. He was predeceased by his son, Jeff Dessayer (surviving spouse, Brandi) and infant granddaughter, Gabrielle Dessayer.
Memorial Services will be held on March 30, 2026 in Moraga, California.
In remembrance of Al’s life, donations may be made for a special recreational installation at the Moraga Commons. Please mail contributions via check payable to the Town of Moraga (designate Al Dessayer Memorial) and address to the Moraga Parks and Recreation Department, 2100 Donald Dr., Moraga, CA 94556.
Published in East Bay Times
from March 13, 2026 to March 15, 2026
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/obituaries/alfred-al-g-dessayer-moraga-ca/