A Richmond High graduate who would go on to leave a lasting legacy as a longtime Richmond swim instructor will be remembered with a city proclamation this coming Tuesday.
June Albonico graduated from Richmond High School in 1945 and married the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Albonico, the following year, according to the city proclamation, which is scheduled to be read at the Richmond City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
In 1956, she began a remarkable career as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Richmond Plunge and Richmond Swim Center. The proclamation by Mayor Eduardo Martinez notes that Albonico made a “profound impact on countless lives” over six decades in these roles. She often taught multiple generations within the same family.
“Through her tireless commitment, June became a beloved figure in the Richmond community, known not only for her exceptional teaching skills but also for her steadfast advocacy to ensure the Richmond Plunge remained open for future generations,” the proclamation states. “Over the course of her career, June taught thousands of individuals how to swim, instilling in them both a love for the water and the confidence to succeed.”
Albonico passed away last year at home in Martinez surrounded by her family, according to an obituary, which was published in August 2024. She lived most of her life in Richmond and El Cerrito before moving to Martinez in 2010.
Loved ones say she loved every moment of her career as a swim instructor.
“She got tremendous joy from watching her students learn to swim and to continue to teach their children and grandchildren,” they said.
She also loved traveling, swing dancing, spending summers at Clear Lake and also time at a family cabin at Russian River.
