Alphonso (Phonso) was my good friend! We met in 9th grade, 1986. Basically a great friendship started on the HS football field. Spent a lot of time chilling & hanging. We played video games and listened to rap music on the way to the beach A Lot!
His mom, her name escaped me, was soo nice! She took such good care of Phonso. She raised an amazing young man. We were very good boys. Thank you for your hospitalities!
My deepest condolences to Phonsos' family! I knew he would grow to be an amazing dude. We would touch base each year, on the HS football field, for 3 years after i transferred schools and would play each others schools! I heard, not surprised, he was accepted for college at Fresno St. for football. I was a distant but proud friend.
My good friend rest well. You are never forgotten, Bro! Listening to Boogie Down Productions (Criminal Minded) or body surfing has brung & will always bring your memory into focus for me. 
Again my deepest condolences for Phonso... Lyman Allen

I remember him as a little boy.  Happy he was never stopped running and playing.  His mother was so proud of him and loved him so much.  My condolences and prayers go out to the family for this huge loss.  

I knew Fonso since high school.  He was a dear friend then and continued to be throughout the years. All the lovely things that people who knew him more recently are saying about him are the same for how he was back then.  Just a big sweetheart.  Always friendly, always warm. Always down to listen.  And there isn't a moment that I don't think of him and smile. I sincerely hope he felt some of the happiness he gave to so many throughout his life. My heart goes out to his family.  

Met him at Iron office gym such a nice positive big hearted respectfull hard working man,so sad to hear he passed such an amazing man will be missed by many.live on in heaven.

Man this one hits hard. I use to text him and see him at GB3 on the daily. I wondered why I haven't heard from him. His  positivity and love for people was infections. During holidays and rough times I use to text him and we always sent prayers and love back and forth looking out for everyone in this crazy world.  He will never be forgotten I promise. To his family,  I never got to know you all. Just know he has helped me become a better person for no gain other then to uplift someone else and has an amazing soul. Peace brother we have it from here. Pump some iron in Heaven!

So sad to hear of this.  I knew Alphonso from my days at Fresno State and as a regular at GB3.  He always took the time to say hello with a smile, and he radiated positivity. He will be missed. 

I’m a big brother to most of my friends. It’s my personality and the role I tend to gravitate towards in my social circles. Alphonso was that to me. I stole as much of how he treated people and kept it for myself. He had my respect, admiration. Condolences to the family. We lost a good one. 

I was not close to Alphonso like most people who are sharing their precious memories, but i’ve had the amazing pleasure to have met him. While I was working at Valley Fitness, he would always stop by with a smile on his face and was one of the most kind and uplifting person I have ever met. He would always be positive and give great advice that was always motivational. My prayers go out to his family, he will be missed. 

I did not know Alphonso as well as many posting on here most likely did, but I thought with that being said I can give a unique perspective on what a great guy he was.  We were gym buddies for years and that was the extent of the friendship for the most part but even with that small of a relationship his kindness and genuineness were beyond obvious. You would never known if Alphonso was having a terrible day or a great day he brought absolutely nothing but positivity to everyone around him he says hi how are you to everyone he would come across and mean it genuinely. He genuinely cared about others even if they were strangers it was not in any way just small talk. Such a wonderful people person and you could not help but feel positive around him.  Always so humble he would ask for workout advice from me and I would tell him “Alphonso I should be asking you!.” But he wouldn’t have it he never thought he was above anyone and I never once saw him big time someone despite being so known and well liked.  I’ll miss your friendship and positivity Alphonso.  Rest peacefully my friend and my condolences to his family and friends especially his children.

Those who leave there mark on this earth are not always the ones with the most of everything,  but when you meet the ones  with the biggest hearts and a genuine care about others regardless of who the are,you are truly blessed. 
May we all continue to spread the love you had for another.
prayers for the family and friends.
Keep pushing no matter what. 


Biggs my recruitment host in 93 and fellow teammate for 3 yrs. Biggs was always smiling & laughing if you knew him. 

You will continue to live in everyone’s thoughts. My condolences goes out to his entire family. 

Bulldog Born Bulldog Bread! 

My older brother Gene Smith and Alphonso were great friends, teammates on the football field  and roommates for many years at Fresno State. I looked up to him like a 2nd big brother. He was just as protective of me while I attended Fresno State as my brother. I have nothing but great memories of him. Alphonso had a heart of gold. I didn’t have a car in college so when they would travel for football on away games,  he would leave me his car, and the keys to their apartment. He will always have a special place in my heart. He will truly be missed. 

Offering my condolences to your family. May you find comfort in the memories that you hold dearly. I knew Alphonso from our Fresno State days. Such a great guy with a big smile. 

I knew him from the gym. He was always upbeat and
Positive. I shared with him
My cancer journey two years ago. His positivity and enthusiasm was contagious. I will miss seeing him. So sorry for the family. 

OBITUARY

Alphonso Ray Bigelow, II

27 July, 1973 – 10 May, 2021

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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