Albert A. Vann, 79, died Thursday, April 14 in Manteca.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he received his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from the University of Detroit. He lived in Saratoga for 33 years, moving to Oakdale in 2000.

He served in the U.S. Air Force until 1961.

Mr. Vann worked in the aerospace field 36 years, retiring from Lockheed after 25 years.

He was a frequent blood donor, giving over five gallons during his lifetime, including through plateletpheresis.

He had a deep faith in God and was a lifetime member of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association. His hobbies and interests were many and varied, but usually involved a measure of tinkering. As a young father, he was a handyman and grease monkey around the house, imparting that knowledge to all his children. He enjoyed radio controlled cars and airplanes, and frequented slot car groups. He also enjoyed fishing.

After he retired, he revisited a childhood interest and became an amateur magician. He belonged to the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians and delighted in entertaining school children and adults.

He will always be remembered for his love of tinkering, generosity of spirit, offbeat sense of humor, and undying sense of independence. He said his greatest accomplishment in life was his family.

He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Vann of Oakdale; children, Diane (Cliff) Korupp of Oakdale, Richard Vann of Lafayette, Marianne (Julian) Philipp of San Francisco, Peter (Amy) Vann of Modesto; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Odile and Ida VanSchaemelhout; and his brother, Robert Vann.

He will be interred in a private service at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, and a celebration of his life will be held in mid-May.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.