VIRGINIA BEACH - Albert F. Sganga Jr., 60, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 31, 2009, at Sentara Heart Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ronkonkoma,

N.Y., Al attended Con netquot High School and graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He honorably served his country for 21 years. Al found his true calling after retiring from the Coast Guard when he began life anew as an educator. He used his gifts of relating decimals and percents to math students at Great Bridge Middle School North, variables and exponents at Hickory Middle School, and “pi in the sky” at Hickory High. Al encouraged all of his students to excel not only in the classroom, but in life as well. With gentlemanly grace he inspired colleagues while serving as a mentor and role model. When not in the classroom, Al enjoyed cruising in his Corvette, hiking the mountains and canyons of our National Parks, exploring reefs and wrecks in tropical waters, and futzing around the house.

He was predeceased by his father, Albert F. Sganga Sr. Left to cherish his memory are his dear mother, Rose Sganga of Port Richey, Fla.; his loving wife of 37 years, Lori; his daughter, Beth Deir and her husband Daniel; his son, Albert L. Sganga and his wife Anna; and his grandchildren, Sierra, Bryce and Stella.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Sentara Princess Anne ER, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and the Sentara Heart Hospital for their determined efforts attempting to save Al’s life. Al’s final generous act of giving will be carried out by organ donation through LifeNet.

The family is honoring Al’s wishes for privacy; services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Grand Canyon Association at www.grandcanyon.org. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.hollomon-brown.com.