Alfred C. Paz

Alfred C. Paz, Jr., went to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, August 2, 2012. He was a lifelong resident of El Paso and was a graduate of Ysleta High School. He worked as a Librarian for the County of El Paso for 17 years and retired as a Civil Servant Librarian from the Ft. Bliss library system after 27 years of service. In 1946, he wed his only love, Elena (Helen) Pedregon, and they were married 66 years.

Throughout his life, music was his passion. Since high school, Al had been a drummer, where he played in the Ysleta High School Band. He loved to play the Big Band styles of Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller. For many years he played with the Lew Barton Orchestra and was the band leader at Gillespie’s Steak House and the Coronado Country Club. He continued to play with many other bands throughout the El Paso and Las Cruces area, including the Mike Carranda Orchestra and even managed his own trio for a while. During his golden years, he volunteered with the musical group, the Silvertones, at the Memorial Park Senior Citizen Center; and was a member of Local 466, American Federation of Musicians. He never retired from his music.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo C. and Concha Paz, Sr; his brother, Louis Paz; his sisters, Aurora Arellano and Josephine McVay; and his eldest daughter, Bertha Paz.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; his son, Fred (Liz) Paz; his daughter, Irene (Tom) Taylor; his grandchildren, Alex Lopez, Andrea Paz, Anthony Paz, David (Kim) Taylor, and Elisa Taylor.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Fred Paz, Anthony Paz, Andrea Paz, Tom Taylor, David Taylor, Alex Lopez, Manny Fernandez, and Frank Sambrano. Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Pedregon, Manny Rivas, Fernand Mallette, Sam McVay and Juan Meraz.

The Paz family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Martin East. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Catholic Church. The Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Smith, P.A., V.G., will officiate. Interment will immediately follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Raphael Catholic Church.