Obituary for Alonzo "Al" Richard Valdez
Longtime La Jara resident Alonzo R. “Al” Valdez passed away at the Rio Grande Inn nursing home on February 14, at the age of 94. He was the first of seven children born to Jose H. Valdez and Alice Gallegos Valdez in La Jara, Colorado on April 13, 1927.
Alonzo wore many hats during his long life. He was active in sports and was well known for his athletic ability in high school, was a pilot and an avid horseman. He farmed, was a longtime truck driver and drove the school bus later in life.
Al joined the Coast Guard during WWII and had great stories to tell about his time on duty aboard the USS Poole and being in San Francisco, CA on VJ Day. His favorite pastimes were fishing with his cousins and friends and following the Denver Broncos. He loved reminiscing about his days growing up on the farm and tending livestock in the La Jara Canyon. He was a devoted father, grandfather, cousin and friend.
Survivors include his daughter Anne Miller (Mike), granddaughters, Suzanne (Vanessa) and Nikki Martinez, brother Joseph H Valdez II (Mary Lou), sister Marge Hoskins (Jeff), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Valdez, parents Jose H. Valdez and Alice Valdez, brothers, Andrew J. Valdez, Leo Valdez, sisters, Sister Anita Valdez, Terri Monfiletto, nephews Ronald Valdez, Byron Trujillo, Christian Dellatorre and niece Roberta Valdez.
A heartfelt thanks to the Rio Grande Inn staff who cared for Alonzo while a resident. The family is grateful to you all.
A Vigil service with recitation of the rosary will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 9:30am with Mass at 10am. Interment will follow at the La Jara Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements have been placed in care of Rogers Funeral Home of Alamosa, CO.
Alonzo wore many hats during his long life. He was active in sports and was well known for his athletic ability in high school, was a pilot and an avid horseman. He farmed, was a longtime truck driver and drove the school bus later in life.
Al joined the Coast Guard during WWII and had great stories to tell about his time on duty aboard the USS Poole and being in San Francisco, CA on VJ Day. His favorite pastimes were fishing with his cousins and friends and following the Denver Broncos. He loved reminiscing about his days growing up on the farm and tending livestock in the La Jara Canyon. He was a devoted father, grandfather, cousin and friend.
Survivors include his daughter Anne Miller (Mike), granddaughters, Suzanne (Vanessa) and Nikki Martinez, brother Joseph H Valdez II (Mary Lou), sister Marge Hoskins (Jeff), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Valdez, parents Jose H. Valdez and Alice Valdez, brothers, Andrew J. Valdez, Leo Valdez, sisters, Sister Anita Valdez, Terri Monfiletto, nephews Ronald Valdez, Byron Trujillo, Christian Dellatorre and niece Roberta Valdez.
A heartfelt thanks to the Rio Grande Inn staff who cared for Alonzo while a resident. The family is grateful to you all.
A Vigil service with recitation of the rosary will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 9:30am with Mass at 10am. Interment will follow at the La Jara Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements have been placed in care of Rogers Funeral Home of Alamosa, CO.