Colleagues, friends pay tribute to former councilman, philanthropist
Albert Vera, the patriarch of a well-respected Culver City family and a three-time city councilman, died from a heart attack on Memorial Day. He was 75 years old.
His passing leaves a void in philanthropy, commerce and historical political knowledge in Culver City, a place that he called home for more than five decades.
Vera, an Italian immigrant, came to the United States in 1950. He opened Sorrento Market, an iconic Italian deli and specialty store of imported goods, in 1963.
He served three terms on the Culver City City Council from 1992 until 2000 and again from 2002 until 2006.
Vera was an unabashed advocate of Culver City, and used his high-profile connections with county, state and federal lawmakers to enhance the city’s profile and obtain grants and properties for non-profit groups.
He was also an astute businessman, eventually becoming one of the largest olive growers and importers in the state. His Central Valley ranches also grow oranges, beets, watermelons and parsley, which he often teasingly referred to as “Italian marijuana.”
“My family and I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support during our time of bereavement,” Albert Vera Jr. told the News.
Julie Lugo Cerra, a News columnist, said her late husband knew Vera well.
“Sam, who was Italian, knew Albert before he bought the store — when he had his Italian truck route, the beginning of his effort to give the city ‘salami breath,’” Lugo Cerra recalled. “Sam shared that when Albert delivered groceries to the Cerra home, he’d stop in and visit with Sam’s mom and his two brothers Mike and Joe, who had multiple sclerosis.
“His kindness was felt by many people and organizations alike. He had a strong work ethic, sense of commitment to the community and he really loved people. I just wish he took more time for himself and his family.”
Dr. James Bougarides served with Vera on the council and became close friends with him as well. Reached at his home in downtown Culver City on Tuesday, Boulgarides was unaware that his friend had passed away.
“He was a giant,” the former councilman said in a halting tone in describing Vera. “He was genuine. He had courage that nobody else had.”
Through his connections with county officials, namely former Second District Supervisor Yvonne Burke, Vera was able to secure the former county assessor’s office for a local non-profit on Overland Avenue. With Burke’s assistance, he was also able to obtain the former county courthouse building for the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum, which will soon house the second largest private collection of African-American artifacts in the nation.
“We wouldn’t have the Plunge if it weren’t for Albert,” Boulgaridies added, noting that it was his former council colleague and friend who secured funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for the city’s swimming pool in the mid-1990s.
Charles Deen, a former Parks and Recreation commissioner, remembered a journey to Central California with the former councilman.
“A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going with Albert to his olive ranches,” Deen said. “On the trip back, Albert started talking about his coming to the U.S.
“I wished that I had asked a few questions — but I just listened to Albert telling his story.”
Deen first met Vera at an east Culver City community meeting after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
“Mayor Vera initiated the Gap Grant Program, under which residents could qualify for up to $15,000 to help with earthquake repairs,” he said. “(My wife) Susan and I qualified for a maximum grant for repairs to our Reid Avenue home.”
Boulgarides said Vera always had a strong vision for the city in terms of how to make life better for its citizens. Although he sometimes rankled feathers along the way, Vera always had the city’s best interests at heart, he said.
“What leader doesn’t step on some toes?” Boulgarides asked. “He had connections that no one, then or
now, had.
“He was never in (politics) for self-aggrandizement, he never bragged. He was an amazing guy.”
Lugo Cerra said the birth of Albert Jr., who his father often affectionately called Alberto, was one of the highlights of his life.
“When Albert Jr. was born, he was the most magnificent gift (his widow) Ursula could have given to Albert, and he loved to spoil him,” she said. “It continued to the next generation, too, as one could just see Albert swelling with pride every time he spoke of his granddaughter Alexandria.”
Boulgarides said he could always count on Vera professionally and personally.
“If I had to call someone to have my back, it would be Albert,” he said. “What a loss. I’ll miss him and so will the city.”
Tentative funeral arrangements are for Tuesday, June 8 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City at 11 a.m.
Vera is survived by his wife Ursula, his sister Katherine Barricello, his son Albert, Jr., his granddaughter Alexandria Vera, and four nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Salvation Army.
