Moraga’s Town Council paid tribute to former Mayor Alfred “Al” Dessayer who passed away at the age of 86 on Feb. 25.  A moment was set aside during the March 25 meeting to honor Dessayer and all the time and work he gave in order to make the Town a great place to live.

    Dessayer played a part in Moraga’s efforts to incorporate in 1974 and served as its first treasurer.  He continued his service as a planning commissioner between 1980-81.  One year later, he was elected to the town council, holding a seat for 12 years.  In that period, he held the position of mayor during 1985, 1988, and 1993. 

    Overlapping his town council duties while also serving on the board of directors for Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) beginning in 1987, Dessayer represented Moraga for over 35 years by ensuring that public transportation was available to residents in an economically conscientious manner.

    Moraga Citizen of the Year honors were bestowed on Dessayer in 1997 for his constant volunteer work, coaching kids’ sports, and the aforementioned years of civic service.

    In 2021, the Town Council approved a proclamation honoring Dessayer for his decades of varying service to the Moraga community.  The proclamation noted that one of his many accomplishments included “identifying the opportunity for the Town to purchase the excess State land when Caltrans’ plan to create Gateway Boulevard through Moraga was thwarted.  This vision resulted in the creation of the Commons Park, a centerpiece and main gathering place in Moraga.”

    Former Mayor Mike McCluer described Dessayer as a “wonderful community leader and advisor for decades, in our Town and beyond.”

    Senior Outreach Coordinator for Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Kaylee Deland, presented the Dessayer family – wife Alice, daughters Janet Dessayer Supple, and Kathryn Dessayer Whittaker – with a Congressional Record, and Whittaker spoke for the family when recalling fond memories of her father’s devotion to Moraga.