Alfredo C. Vasquez

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Deacon, friend and Servant, Alfredo C. Vasquez, Sr. was called to eternal life on July 11, 2007 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family. He was 74. Alfredo (Al) was born on November 27, 1932 in Del Rio, Texas to Jose Maria and Josefa Vasquez, the 6th of 7 children. On March 4, 1951, he married Virginia V. Contreras, the love of his life, in Del Rio, Texas and shared 56 years of marriage with her. Alfredo was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Juan and Jesus, and sister, Carmen Torres. Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife, Virginia C. Vasquez; son, Alfredo C. Vasquez Jr. and wife, Irma, granddaughters: Jennifer and Jessica Vasquez; son, Richard C. Vasquez and granddaughter, Brynn Vasquez; daughter, Josie Vasquez Santiago and husband Toby, grandchildren: Angela and Charles Billé, Daniel and Analicia Santiago, great-grandchildren: Isabella and Charles Billé III; son, Rudy Vasquez and wife, Robin, grandchildren: Adan and Nicole Torres, great-grandson: Michael Torres, Simon and Gypsi Torres, Victoria Vasquez, Arkie and Ashley Pitmon, great-grandson: R.K. Pitmon, Samantha Toth and Brittany Scott; son, Bobby Vasquez and wife, Lisa, grandchildren: Genevieve, Christina and Steven Vasquez; daughter, RoseMary Vasquez Turner and grandson, Austin Turner. Alfredo enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 6, 1953 and proudly served until his retirement on February 1, 1974. During his enlistment, he was stationed at Lackland AFB, TX; Randolph AFB, TX; Laughlin AFB, TX; Iwo Jima, Japan; Bergstrom AFB, TX; Ankara Air Station, Turkey and Dyess AFB, TX. While stationed at Bergstrom, Alfredo also managed the Base Theatre. After his retirement, Alfredo worked at ESCO Supply Company. He completed his studies for an Associate of Applied Science degree in 1978 and began his own air conditioning company, Kool Aire Inc., later becoming Star Heating and Air Conditioning. Al began work with Travis County as the Superintendent of Building Maintenance on August 16, 1984, where he continued his employment until his death. Alfredo began his Deaconate studies in January of 1979 and one of his proudest accomplishments was his Ordination to the Diaconate on July 14, 1984. He served as a Deacon at San Jose Church for 13 ½ years and also served as Deacon at St. Julia’s and most recently at St. Joseph’s Church in Manor, Texas. He served two terms as President of the National Association of Hispanic Deacons and also served terms as Secretary and Treasurer. He and Virginia led marriage preparation classes for the Diocese of Austin for several years. Alfredo initiated prayer meetings at Dolores Catholic Church, San Jose, St. Julia’s and St. Joseph’s Church where he ministered to countless parishioners. However, his ministry extended outside of his parishes, as well. Alfredo had a way of reaching out to others, not just by the spoken Word, but by his deeds and actions. He helped many people, touched their hearts and softened their souls. Pallbearers will be Ray Vasquez, Richard Torres, Lupe Villalobos, Daniel Santiago, Charles Billé, Jr. and Carl Cumberbatch. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Peggy, Renee and Dawn of Robinson Creek Hospice for caring for Dad and for us. Your compassion, care and faith were a blessing to us. Thank you also to Dr. David Woerner for your loving care of Dad – you were not only his doctor, you were his trusted friend. And thank you to Dr. Punit Chadha for your care of and respect for Dad. To the Travis County Facilities group – we know you feel our pain and we are grateful for all your prayers, love and generosity. Deacon Vasquez will lie in state from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Friday, July 13 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Vigil Service will follow at 7:00 pm at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest Avenue. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 14 at San Jose Catholic Church with Bishop Gregory Aymond, Monsignor Tom Frank, Reverend George Joseph and Reverend Kirby Gardner officiating. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: Diocese of Austin, Attn: Deacon Vasquez Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 13327, Austin, Texas 78711.