Alfonso "Ito" Hernandez Carrillo

Alfonso was born on May 23, 1930 to Pascual and Elena Carrillo in Calera, a municipality in the Mexican state of Zacatecas. As a middle child of nine, he learned at a very young age that hard work was the only way to succeed and achieve the American dream.

In 1943, Alfonso came to the United States at the age of 13 with his mom and three siblings. His first job was delivering the daily newspaper. In his late teens he began working as a laborer for a construction company. In 1954, he met his beautiful bride Guadalupe Saldivar who he married on March 20, 1955 and moved to National City. They would be married for 69 years. Alfonso continued to work in construction and eventually became a truck driver in 1958 for an asphalt paving company. That same year, he became a U.S Citizen. Alfonso was a proud truck driver for 25 years for Sim J Harris. He would sometimes take one of his kids to work with him, proudly showing them how he provided for them. He always worked vigorous long days to ensure his family never went without.

On January 22, 1956, Alfonso and Guadalupe gave birth to their first son, Victor Alfonso Carrillo. They would eventually have five other children, Elvia, Freddy, Mario, Alfonso Jr. and Maribel. Alfonso always enjoyed spending time with his family. It was always important the entire family attended Sunday mass at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, ensuring the kids never missed a day of catechism and that they did their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Religion was always a focal point for Alfonso and Guadalupe. He also made sure his children were always involved in sports such as baseball and karate. Missing practice or a game was never an option. Alfonso enjoyed taking the family to the drive-in movies, the park, the beach, the zoo and Padre games. Family road trips to the Grand Canyon, camping trips to Rosarito Beach, Easter picnics and setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July were most memorable. Buying a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken or packing a simple lunch and enjoying some family time was always important.

Alfonso always had a passion for Norteno music. He enjoyed listening and dancing to his favorite tunes and often times organized an impromptu party with a live band. The way his face lit up when his favorite Norteno music was played is most memorable.

In 1984, Alfonso retired from Sim J. Harris and started A&F Asphalt Inc. with his son Freddy. His dream of becoming his own boss had come true, however the highlight was when all four of his sons began to work together at A&F. He was so proud. In 2008, Alfonso retired all together. He sat back and enjoyed the fruits of his and Guadalupe’s labor. Watching his family grow and his children thrive was exhilarating.

Alfonso is survived by his wife, Guadalupe, his children Victor, Mario and his wife Irene, Alfonso Jr. and Maribel and her husband Ben; as well as 13 grandchildren; and one sibling Amelia Robledo. He is predeceased by his daughter Elvia, son Freddy and daughter in law Riva.