Obituary of Alfredo Fuerte

Alfredo Fuerte Sr., a longtime resident of Salinas, California, entered eternal rest at the age of 80, on June 20, 2022.

Alfredo is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Lidia R. Fuerte, his children Sandy Fuerte, Alma Fuerte-Jauregui (Saul), Alfredo Fuerte Jr. (Ana Jauregui-Fuerte), Lillian DaSilva (†Bryan) & Erika Fuerte-Frede (Paul).  Alfredo was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Crystal Fuerte, Ileana Nastasich, Armando & Lydia Borrego, Saul & Gabriel Jauregui, Adel Fuerte, Brianna Jimenez, Melina & Joseph DaSilva & Layla Frede. He was also fortunate to know his great grandchildren Faith Fuentes, LillyRose, Eve & Julius Jimenez.
Alfredo was preceded in death by his parents Gregorio Fuerte & Felicia Hernandez Fuerte, as well as his beloved brothers, George and Ruben Fuerte. Alfredo was born in Calexico, California on December 28, 1941. He attended Santa Rita Elementary School and Washington Middle School. Alfredo graduated from Calexico High School, as well as Hartnell College.  Alfredo was a dedicated worker all of his life, as a strong young man, he lived up to his last name, working cotton gins, was a field laborer, and was a longtime employee of Firestone Rubber Co. until its closing. As his family grew, Alfredo served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church and was a Lifetime Honorary (3rd Degree) member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a key parishioner who helped run a Bingo Program for many years, which was instrumental in raising funds to help build what is now St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

Alfredo was a resilient man and went to work for the RIDES company, which brought him much joy and many wonderful stories to tell.  Always modeling personal growth for his children and an advocate for education, he moved on to work with Monterey County Office of Education, with the Parents as Teachers Program (PAT), working in this field was a perfect fit for him. Alfredo was a trail blazer and became the first male home educator in Monterey County, followed by many years of service with the Head Start Program, until his retirement in 2007.  Over the years, many people who were touched by his words and actions have expressed their gratitude to his family, for his kindness, guidance, his friendly smile, and breaking bread with them. Alfredo was a "Chef" who loved to cook meals that would feed the souls of his cherished friends and family. If you were lucky enough to know “Dad Fuerte” or Grandpa, as he was called by many, you would know he was always ready to listen, share words of wisdom or tell you a funny joke followed by his warm laughter.

Alfredo was a loving husband, devoted father, father in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, compadre, nino and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed more than words can express.

The family will be holding a mass of blessing at Madonna del Sasso Church 320 E. Laurel Dr., Salinas, CA 93906 on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.