Al Saracino

The Lord called our loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend home unexpectedly from a heart attack on January 8, 2015. He was born November 23, 1942 in Spring Glen, Utah (Carbon County) to Ralph and Annie Saracino. He was born eighth of nine children.
Married Jo Ann Harris, later divorced. Together they had two children Alexander and Shirlee. Married his sweetie Donna Casper Besendorfer September 12, 1983. They spent 32 wonderful years in their Salt Lake home, and loved road trips throughout the country.
He was very real and wasn’t afraid to tell you how he felt. He’d be the first to say you were doing something he didn’t approve of, but also the first to compliment or show pride in your accomplishments. He kept up with everything going on in the lives of his friends and family and showed a sincere interest in all of them. He loved his Discovery Christian Church family.
He was known for his big, kissable lips and his warm hugs. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or feed a friend. He was an influential pioneer of the Salt Lake Rescue Mission and spent his life doing charity work and helping others. He loved his garden and sharing his produce. Al spent his life as an entrepreneur and was successful in various adventures, including Real Estate, Sales, and Finance.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; son Alex (Danielle) Saracino; daughter Shirlee (Travis) Brown; and Donna’s children, whom he considered his own; Bill (Kate) Besendorfer; Ken (Shauna) Besendorfer; Doug (Johanna) Besendorfer; and Karen Zinn (Bruce); 22 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; brothers Larry (Connie), and Daniel; numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Thersa, James, Mary, Tony, Theresa, and Rose.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Discovery Christian Church, 5929 S. 900 E. in Murray, at 1:00 pm, preceding viewing at noon. Friends and family may visit Thursday, January 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 S. 900 E.