Albert "Al" Heinecke

Albert "Al" Heinecke passed peacefully in his home in Paso Robles surrounded by his loving caregivers, Christie Moody and Bonnie Bracken. He was 94. Al was born in September 1920 to Minna Hockemeyer Heinecke and Albert Heinecke. He was raised on his parent's orange ranch in Santa Ana, California. At an early age Albert was recognized for his uncanny ability to take things apart and rebuild them. This talent led him to Stanford University where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Al enjoyed a successful 35 year career with McDonnell Douglas where he was affectionately known as the "flowmaster" for his work with rocket motors. Early in his career Al met the love of his life, Betty (Gustafson Pettitt). They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Betty's passing in 2012. Although they had no children Betty and Al were advocates of all dogs and shared a dog named Mike, with Steve McQueen when they were neighbors in Hollywood Hills. Al is survived by his sister, Marian (Bob) Gould; nieces, Susie (Paul) Martin and Liz Gould; nephews, Will (Rusty) Gould and Fred (Cheryl) Heinecke, son of Al's late brother, Richard (Jacqueline) Heinecke. In addition, Al leaves behind his grand nieces, Olivia Martin and Mary (Geoff) Garrett; grand nephew Zach Martin, and great-grand niece, Amanda Garrett. Special thanks go to Dr. Kevin Colton and the staff at Wilshire Hospice and Wilshire In-Home Health who were instrumental in honoring Al's desire to stay at home. A Memorial Service will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes on Thursday, September 3rd, at 2:30pm, where Al will be laid to rest beside his beloved Betty.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275