Aldo Louis Dossola
July 2, 1933-Sept. 28, 2025
Menlo Park, California
Submitted by Loretta Dossola Lyle
Aldo Louis Dossola — or “Nonno” to his grandchildren —lived a life defined by gratitude, humility, and devotion to family. Born in Menlo Park in 1933 to Italian immigrants from the Piemonte region, Aldo grew up among orchards and open fields, helping his parents while learning the values of hard work and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life.
As a boy, Aldo worked at Duca & Hanley’s market, rewarding himself with an ice cream cone after each paycheck—though he always made sure to save some for his family. He loved baseball, playing in the open fields where St. Raymond’s Church now stands and later with the Nativity Youth Baseball Team. Even then, his gift for numbers stood out; he could calculate batting averages in his head long before computers or calculators made it easy.
That natural ability with numbers carried him to Santa Clara University, where he graduated at the top of his class in Business Accounting and remained a loyal Bronco fan for life. His sharp mind and unwavering integrity led him to a distinguished 37-year career at Hewlett-Packard, where he rose to become the Founder and CEO of the HP Federal Credit Union. Among his family’s most cherished keepsakes are personal letters of thanks from Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard—testament to the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.
In 1961, Aldo’s life changed forever during a cruise to Acapulco, where he met his wife, Carmen. They married in Mexico City and returned to Menlo Park, where they built their home and raised five children together. The home they built together was filled with laughter and boisterous family gatherings.
Aldo believed deeply in community and giving back. He coached youth sports, served as President of St. Raymond’s Board of Education, and remained a devoted member of the Italian American Social Club of Menlo Park, where his father had been a founding charter member. His leadership was quiet but consistent—he led by example, showing that success meant not only achievement but generosity and kindness.
He loved the outdoors, especially Yosemite, where he led countless family camping trips and summited Half Dome five times—the last at age 73. Those adventures became cherished family traditions, filled with campfire laughter, morning coffee, and his steady presence that made everyone feel safe and cared for.
Family was at the heart of everything Aldo did. He is survived by his children and grandchildren who carry his spirit forward: Loretta Lyle and her husband Scott, of Woodside, and their son Adam, now studying at Purdue University; Aldo Jr. and his wife Sheryl, of Danville, and their daughters Isabella, of San Francisco, and Jacey, recently graduated from Cal Poly SLO; David and his wife Gina, of Redwood City, and their son Dylan, an avid athlete who made his Nonno proud; and Karla and her husband Angelo Basile, of Rome, where Aldo visited yearly and admired Angelo’s service in the Carabinieri.
He was predeceased by his wife Carmen and their first son Joseph, whose memories remained a constant thread throughout his life. Aldo’s visits back to Mexico City and to his family’s ancestral home in Piemonte were journeys of both remembrance and renewal—quiet pilgrimages that honored the roots that shaped him.
Those who knew Aldo will remember his kind and genuine spirit. Whether through friendship, faith, family, or community, he had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. He was steadfast but warm, humble yet wise. His presence brought calm; his laughter brought light. And he was a great Dad.
Aldo leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service — a reminder to live with gratitude, to show up for others, and to find joy in life’s simplest moments. His strength, humor, and devotion continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.
The Dossola family extends heartfelt thanks for the prayers, kindness, and friendship shared during this time.
Tags: veteran, business
