Albert John Medina

January 27, 1948 - February 8, 2017

Albert John Medina, 69, of Bakersfield, California passed away on February 8, 2017, after a brave battle with cancer. Albert was born on January 27, 1948, in Hanford, California to parents Trinidad Balver and Cecelia Medina. Albert, a loving and adored husband, father, and grandfather, is survived by his wife of 46 years, the love of his life, Geneva and his two children: son and Tower of Power buddy Albert R. Medina and wife Marisa and daughter his "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie" Melissa Muñoz and husband Jesse. He loved and cherished his four grandchildren: Ysabella Medina, Zachary Muñoz, Adam Medina, and Abigail Muñoz. He is also survived by his part-time son Robert Olea and his family, and siblings Yolanda Franco, Rachel Balver, Rosie Vargas, Steve Mendez, Joey Balver, and Danny Balver. He is preceded in death by grandparents Louisa and Ignacio Medina, mother Cecelia Frias, stepmother Ramona Balver, and brother Robert Mendez. Albert worked 49 years at Mercy Hospital Downtown, before retiring in 2013. "Big Al" loved music, especially singing in numerous bands, such as Thin Ice, Primo, Spare Time, Clean Slate, and the Mike Montano Band. Vocally known as a screamer, he covered songs ranging from James Brown and Tower of Power to Earth, Wind and Fire and Santana. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. on February 16, 2017, and a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., both at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 900 H St. Internment will follow at Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac. The Medina Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Anthony B. El-Khoueiry, Dr. James Buxbaum, and Dr. Lawrence R. Menendez of Keck Medicine of USC and Dr. Santhi Kanuri of Bakersfield, who oversaw Albert's care during his illness. The family would also like to thank the ER nurses and staff at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, who helped them through this difficult time. Finally, the family would like to extend their gratitude to Kenny Mount and staff at Mission Family Mortuary for their extraordinary kindness.