Albert Bullock Obituary

Albert N. Bullock

Albert N. Bullock "Al" age 96 born in Upstate New York and a resident of San Mateo County since 1950 died on August 16, 2019 in Daly City. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Al was a WWII Veteran of the US Navy. He was a combat Photographer aboard the Light Cruiser USS Santa Fe. In March of 1945, his ship pulled up alongside the Carrier Franklin which had been bombed and was dead in the water, on fire, and listing. The USS Santa Fe rescued many sailors and helped put out the fires on the Franklin. The famous photo of this was taken by Al when he was 22 years of age.
After the War, Al had several jobs including a photographer for Staggs Photo; Radio Station KOFY; he sold fine China and silverware; and his freelance business "Sports Specialties". Al mentored his son Bob who was a budding photographer, and together they worked on racing films, annually filming the Indy 500, the Half Moon Bay Drag races, the Bonneville Land Speed attempts, NASCAR, promotional fishing videos, and a documentary on Evel Kneivel. Al liked to tell stories about how he started his photographic career in the Navy with "wet plate" negatives, and then retired with Digital Video cameras. He ended up at KGO-TV News in the early 60s when Roger Grimsby was the Anchor. Al worked as a News Cameraman for KGO for over 30 years. He covered many of the top stories: the Patti Hearst kidnapping, Jonestown (he traveled to Guyana after the assassination of Congressman Leo Ryan), the assassinations of Mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk and many more.
He was inducted into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences in 2003.
Preceded in death by his ex-wife Edythe with whom they had 3 children.
Surviving are their 3 children Candace and husband Mike Foley; Robert "Bob" Bullock and fiancée Karen Bosley; Georgette and husband John Whitbred; 6 grandchildren Stephanie and husband Ken Feith; Lindsey Green; Sean Bullock; Erin and husband Sam Magill; Matthew and Meghan Whitbred; 4 great-grandchildren Kelly and Katie Feith; Tyler and Adam Bullock.
Also survived by his only sister Lillian 100 years old, brother Bill both of New York, and many nieces and nephews who called him Uncle "Bud." Al had many friends as well as colleagues from KGO-TV News.
"Fair winds and following seas."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 30 to Sep. 1, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Bullock

5 Entries

Tom Dougherty

January 5, 2020

I first met Al at the USS Franklin Reunion in Pensacola Florida. My wife's father served on the USS Franklin and was one of the wounded when the ship was attacked. As I made acquaintance with those at the reunion, I noticed this gentleman with a Nikon camera around his neck. I introduced myself to him and we discussed our equipment. I've always been a Canon man and Al was a Nikon man. As we talked, I started to learn who this man was and the huge impact he made by filming and taking pictures of that fateful day the Franklin was hit! I snapped some wonderful photos of Al and also at his request, used his own camera to capture him standing next to various posters which he had taken of the ship and was now on the walls at the Pensacola air station museum. He was a great man and we were saddened to read of his passing. God bless Al and his family and the world thanks him for his service.

September 2, 2019

I was saddened to hear about my long time friend's passing. I first met Al in the mid 1990's when we worked closely with others on preserving the San Juan Canyon open space (last 100 acres in town). In 2014, Al allowed me into his home to sit down and interview him about his illustrious career. As a long time photographer and videographer, I felt a special bond with Al and respected his work greatly. Below is my YouTube from that meeting. Al Bullock lived a good full life and talked about his children and grandchildren often when we were together. That subject always put a broad smile on his face. Al was a strong, rare individual from an important, bygone era. He was at once, a "man's man" and a "ladies man" and I say that with the greatest respect. I'd want Al along on my Donor Party ver.2, any day of the week. My wife and I will especially miss seeing him meandering up and down Ralston Ave. in his CLASSIC Chevy El Camino! RIP my friend and sincere condolences to his family. LINK: "Witness to a Tragedy" https://youtu.be/wdTuSSieNQo - Sincerely, Eric

Jane Cryan

September 1, 2019

The planet has lost a truly great man with the passing of Al Bullock whom I met in 1965 when he was at KGO and I worked at United Artists, both on the same Golden Gate Ave block. Al and I dated off and on for several years then lost touch. Al was a steady and true friend and a perfect gentleman. I am sad knowing he is no longer on the Earth. I send my heartfelt condolences to his children whom I met when they were little and to all the rest of Al's family. Rest in peace, Al. I'll never forget you.

Judi Basolo

September 1, 2019

Dearest Candace & Bob - I'm sorry to hear about your Poppa's but what a long amazing life he had and so much he contributed. Blessings to you both, my SMHS pals

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Walter Mackins

August 30, 2019

I did not know Mr. Bullock but it was the work of combat photographers/ cameramen that was one of the inspirations for my becoming a photographer. And for that I say, "Thank you". What a life! Not a sailor but a horseman, I wish you "Happy trails!"

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