Alfonso John Valdez passed away on Friday September 4, 2026, at Hastings Senior Health and Living Center at the age of 94. He was a recent resident of Hastings, MN (10 years), prior to that, he was a longtime resident of Buena Park/Fullerton, California, and 10 years in Hilmar, CA. Al was also a longtime member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Buena Park and most recently, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, MN.
Al was born April 6,1932, in Los Angeles, the eldest of six boys; born to Jose Manuel Valdez and Maria Medina Valdez. Al graduated from Garfield High School 1950 in Los Angeles, after graduation he then enlisted in the Airforce, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Al served during the Korean War, as an airman at Kessler AirForce Base in Biloxi, MS and Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA. Al earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University Fullerton. He worked as a Technical Writer/Engineer for Boeing (Autonetics/Rockwell, McDonnell Douglas) for 43 years in Sothern California. He was a member of the National Management Association and a certified Professional Manager, along with being a Senior Lecturer (English) for 18 years at West Coast University where he taught evening classes.
Al was a proud veteran with a passion for learning. He was an avid reader and researcher of all things. He enjoyed building, construction, and dancing. Al loved sharing his knowledge with others and often volunteered to teach and help others. He was a volunteer Policeman at the Buena Park Police Department. As a certified Computer Technician, he used his skills to volunteer teaching computer classes to seniors at the BP senior center. His held community leadership included the Hispanic Leadership Council of Stanislaus County, CA, and the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors in the Hilmar area. Generous with his skills, Al provided free notary and translation services wherever needed. While at Rockwell, he was a loaned Executive where he was a top fund raiser for United Way.
Al was a devoted husband and loving family man who cherished his family. His deepest love, joy and dedication were always centered around his wife and family, he greatly enjoyed each moment spent with them.
Al is preceded in death by his youngest son George Alfonso Valdez and brother Antonio Valdez.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Tomasita M. Valdez of Hastings, MN, originally from Merced, CA and their children: Alfonso John Valdez Jr and his wife Margaret of Ewa Beach, HI, Catherine Fromme of Lacey, WA, Roseann Kafczynski and her husband Michael of Hastings, MN. Alfonso also leaves behind 12 beloved grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is survived by 4 brothers, Frank Valdez (Victorville, CA,) Manual Valdez (Whittier, CA,) Silvino Valdez (Pico Rivera, CA,) and Margarito Valdez (Newport Beach, CA), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family has asked that memorial contributions be made to: Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of your choice.
Services will be held on Thursday October 29, 2026, starting with mass at 9:30 a.m. at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, MN. Burial following at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Snelling Memorial Cemetery, Hennepin County, MN. There will be a gathering after the burial at Roseann and Mike’s home in Hastings, please reach out for more information.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota.
