Lionel Avila

Lionel Avila died Sept. 16. He was 86.

Avila was born in Oakland to Anthony and Emelinda Avila. He attended Frick Grammar School and Fremont High School, graduating in 1952. When he graduated from high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for five years. During his enlistment, he served in Alaska, Japan, China, Hawaii and California. In his last year of service he was stationed at the lighthouse at San Francisco’s Golden Gate. After his service, he attended Laney College in Oakland and received his associate arts degree. Lawrence Livermore Laboratory recruited him in 1959, where he worked for 41 years.

He married his wife, Bonnie in 1960, celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in August. They have four children, Steven, Brian, Carla and Kevin, 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Avila loved baseball and played for the Foresters. He also coached Little League for eight years and at Livermore High School for three years. He was an associate scout for the Cleveland Indians for five years, Los Angeles Angels for two years, Seattle Mariners for two years, Kansas City Royals for three years and then retired.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Cemetery, 3885 East Ave., Livermore, with committal to follow.