Alfred Hugo Ceraulo aka “Owl”: Well Known Host on ‘Thank Jah It’s Friday!’

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Alfred Hugo Ceraulo

Alfred Hugo Ceraulo, affectionately known to many of us as “Owl,” died on April 3, 2026, peacefully, at home with his wife, Ligaya. He is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Ligaya B. Ceraulo, his stepsons, Bob Howard, and Jason Kether Peterson; his sister, Marie Zere, nephews David and Michael, and many other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie (Mary) and Henry Ceraulo, his brother, Paul Ceraulo, and his good friend and collaborator in theatre, radio, and writing, Jacob Shafer.

He was born on April 25, 1945, and began his life in Queens, New York, before the family moved to Massapequa Park, Long Island, New York. Born the baby of the family, his sister, Marie, says Owl was the favorite child, always cute and mischievous, and often posed with an Irish cap, set on his curls just crooked enough to make a statement. She said he was always a talented artist, and won a scholarship to art school, before dropping out. He went to work in the art department of an ad agency in New York City, but eventually set off for the west coast in 1970, in a truck painted with flowers…which surprised none of his family!

His love of debating politics, drawing, and playing baseball were all passed down through members of his family. Marie remembered that even when he “made her crazy” debating politics with her, he had a knack for resolving it with love and humor. She said no one could stay mad at him. Owl’s love of baseball started with his father. Marie said their father was invited to try out for the Dodgers, but a foot injury kept him from playing for them. Their family were all Yankee fans, and Owl proudly wore his Yankees cap around Humboldt County. He was also an active player in the SoHum Hippie Softball League, and was proud to be a “Buzzard.”

He moved from New York to Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco, but wanted to buy a piece of land, so he, and his partner at the time, drove north in his Nash Rambler “and rambled through the northern part of the state, in search of a place that felt like home.” He was part of the Wheeler Ranch Community, before finally settling on SoHum, where he was 1 of 10 land partners in the community they named “Hokahey.” He said he could hear his heart pounding as they walked on the land, knowing it was the right place. It was here that Owl started another career: writing screenplays, and theatrical plays, which he knew he could do from anywhere. His long-time friend, fellow Hokahey land partner, and theatrical collaborator, Joani Rose, remembers Owl saying he sang doo-wop on street corners as a kid, and that there were often doo-wop songs in his plays, reflecting his love of that music. As an active and happy member of the back to the land and early “grow it in the sun” movements, Owl had lots of material for his writing. One of his proudest memories was outfoxing CAMP….at least for a while… He remembered seeing a CAMP helicopter loaded with a bag of cut cannabis plants flying overhead as he was driving home one day, feeling sorry for the owner…and then finding out it had been his crop!

He wrote compelling screenplays that caught Hollywood’s attention, and in 1978, founded the Pure Schmint Players, a talented SoHum theatrical troupe that put on several all-original plays, many of which cleverly skewered politics, the local industry, and hippie life. A documentary of some of his work has been produced, and he had writing credits on “Ganjasaurus Rex,” the cult classic, as well as “1987,” “Aries Moon” and “Stealing Us Blind.” He also did stand-up comedy with his friend, Paul Bassis. He continued writing, directing and acting until just a few years ago, entertaining generations of Humboldt folks for more than 40 years. He mentored countless people, young and old, in acting, writing and directing.

Hulu recently interviewed Owl and others for their upcoming cannabis-focused anthology documentary series titled “4×20: Quick Hits,” which will include “The Legend of Ganjasaurus Rex.” It is produced by Jimmy Kimmel’s Kimmelot Productions, and will premier on 4/20, appropriately!

Owl also created, with Paul Bassis, and later Fred in the Hills, a popular KMUD Community Radio show called “Thank Jah It’s Friday!,” which is now in its 35^th year, in spite of his groans at dragging him out of bed to be funny and intelligent at 9 am. He loved the spontaneity of never knowing who would be calling, or on what topic—his favorite opening line to each caller was “Watcha got?” He was the host until a year ago, when his health caused him to step back.

He often said the last 12 years of his life were the happiest, because of his wife, Ligaya.

Owl was a spiritual person, though not a member of any organized religion, and believed our life journeys come from the experiences and challenges our souls feel they need to grow. He was happy with his own journey, and said he would do it all over again.

I loved his curiosity about everything, and his genuine interest in what others thought. Total strangers became his lifelong friends after one conversation. He made me laugh every time I saw him, and he challenged me to think about ideas in different ways. He was a vibrant part of this community for more than 50 years: in sports, theatre, radio, humor, and giving people reasons to connect with each other.

Ligaya thanks everyone who visited, called, texted, and sent good thoughts…Owl enjoyed them all and was his humorous, sharp self throughout. She is also grateful for all of the help from Heart of the Redwoods Hospice. Plans are being made for a memorial, including showings of his hilarious plays. We know there are many people who were important to Owl, and many funny stories to be told, and welcome all of you to include them in the comments, if you wish.

Submitted by Marcia Mendels, with much-appreciated help from Ligaya, Marie Zere, Joanie Rose and Utah Blue.

Owl and Ligaya