Albert V. Zukas

February 18, 1922 - November 30, 2017

February 18, 1922 - November 30, 2017 Albert passed away peacefully on November 30, 2017 in Montecito, CA. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Harriet Zukas. Albert had two children with his first wife, son Ron Zukas of Oregon and daughter Cynthia Zukas, who predeceased her father. Albert was born in Cleveland, OH February 18, 1922 to parents who immigrated to the United States from Lithuania. He was in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII piloting military transport aircraft in the China Burma India Theatre. As such, he was a life member of the Hump Pilots Association, so named for flying dangerous routes over the Himalayas (the hump) to supply the Chinese during the war. He attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and Pepperdine University in Malibu where he received an MBA. An engineer and inventor, Albert developed a valve actuating mechanism for aircraft in 1961 and was awarded a patent for it. An important executive at Parker Hannifin in Cleveland he was named president of the Los Angeles division in 1967 precipitating a move to California where he soon met and married Harriet. Albert finished his professional career at Thiem Industries continuing his love of all things aeronautical. Albert was an avid golfer maintaining longtime memberships in the Bel Air Country Club of Los Angeles and the Valley Club of Montecito. He was a member of the esteemed bacchanalian fraternity of Burgundy wine enthusiasts, Chevaliers du Tasterin. Albert lived a long and fruitful life and he will be deeply missed. His widow wants to thank his compassionate doctor and his loving caregivers and nurses at Casa Dorinda. She is also grateful for the care he received with Hospice of Santa Barbara.