Alex Delgado Gutierrez

Alex Delgado Gutierrez Sr., born on July 14, 1943, in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 82. Alex was the heart and anchor of his family, a man whose strong faith in Christ was the foundation of his life, guiding his every step and whose love for family never wavered. Alex served the Lord with love and compassion.

Alex was the ninth child of fourteen siblings, and in 1963 he proudly became the first in his family to graduate from Phoenix Union High School. While his brothers and many of his friends were drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, Alex was not eligible for military service due to a childhood accident that left him blind in one eye. In 1964, he married his first wife, with whom he shared three children: Theresa, Isabel, and Alex Jr.

For more than 31 years, Alex worked at Carnation Ice Cream Factory as a skilled ice cream mix master, a career that brought him pride and stability. After retiring from Carnation, he continued to serve his community through part-time roles as a security officer and later as a TSA officer at Sky Harbor Airport.

Among Alex’s proudest accomplishments was answering God’s call to ministry. After becoming an ordained pastor, he and his second wife, Ruby, pastored their own church for 20 years. Together, they faithfully served their congregation, offering encouragement, prayer, and spiritual guidance to countless lives. His sermons, conversations, and daily walk with Christ reflected his deep faith and passion for God’s Word.

Alex loved God, his family, gardening, reading his Bible, football (Cardinals), and spending time with his beloved dogs, Mickey and Minnie. Alex was known for his wonderful sense of humor, in which he loved to playfully joke with everyone he met.

Alex leaves behind a legacy of faith and family. He is survived by his daughters, Theresa Picone (husband Michael) and Isabel Gutierrez; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by seven stepchildren, Connie, Vonnie, Tommy, Sonny, Donny, Ronny, and Angel; along with 37 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren

Alex was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby and his son, Alex Jr.

Alex will be remembered forever for his gentle spirit and the way he made everyone feel seen and loved. His love for Jesus was a beacon of light in our lives, and we hold onto the beautiful promise he believed in, found in John 14:6: Jesus said to him. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Alex’s life was one of devotion to God, his family, and his calling. His faith was unshakable, his heart was generous, and his presence brought comfort and strength to those around him. Though his absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we rejoice in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with loved ones, and rejoicing in Heaven.

While we grieve his loss, we celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on us all. Alex’s life will continue to inspire and comfort all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in our hearts, and his legacy of love will be a cherished part of our family story forever.