Alfred Anthony Ferrara passed away peacefully at his son's home surrounded by family on February 1, 2022, shortly after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Al was born in Pittsburg, California and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1949. He began playing the trumpet in the Pittsburg City Band at the age of twelve and played his last song just three days before his passing, to great applause entertaining his family from his bed with the song, "Fly Me to the Moon".

He was the son of Sicilian immigrants (Antonio and Angelina) and the youngest of five children (sisters Ida and Rose and "the twins", Lawrence and Maurice, who all predeceased him). Their father passed away when Al was nine years old, and he was raised by his mother and his siblings.

Al was very proud of his Pittsburg heritage and was given the nickname "Chesty", which his Pittsburg friends called him throughout his life. He spoke fondly of his many life-long friends from his youth in Pittsburg.

Al served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 and played trumpet in the Air Force Band. He attended San Jose State and San Francisco State, graduating in 1961 and then began his career as an elementary school music teacher spending most of his time in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, retiring in 1991.

Al was an excellent trumpet player and was considered one of the best in the county, even being compared to his idol Harry James on several occasions. He played trumpet for many paid "jobs" over the years and in the last 20 years enjoyed playing in a band for the San Pablo Senior Center. Playing trumpet was his passion and it became a source of great pride and joy throughout his life, often playing jam sessions with his good buddies Joe Enea and Bob Westling.

Al was a big movie buff and could impress his family with his knowledge of actors as far back as the 1930s. He was especially fond of old westerns and gangster movies. He was a big fan of hats with feathers, and of shoes, too. Al loved music and in addition to practicing his trumpet he also enjoyed singing.

Al is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol Beth Dahl. He is also survived by his sons Mark (Jody), Chris (Nancy) and Paul (Fernanda), and daughters Linda (Brad) and Liz (Rick). He deeply loved his grandchildren: Evan, Troy, Luke, Nick, Tyler, Brandon, and Vaughn. Al is survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, February 18, 2022 at 1:30pm at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch.