Alfredo Yson Nietes

AL is survived by his devoted wife, Katy Nietes; his brothers, Augusto and Bobby Nietes, and his sister, Marilyn Nietes-Lee; his son, Michael Nietes, and daughter, Katrina Nietes-Wong; and his cherished grandchildren, Gabriel, Zachary, and Jocelyn. He is also survived by his Honor daughters, Caitlin and Christine Sigle, honor grandson, Revan; his nephews, Devan and Sean Hermann, whom he loved as sons and Elijah Gelsey, his student and honorary Son.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alicia and Illuminado Nietes, and his brothers, Danny and Julito Nietes.

AL retired honorably as a United States Marine with multiple deployments. Following his military service, he built a successful civilian career in the financial sector, from which he later retired.

Alfredo’s lifelong passion was martial arts, particularly Escrima, where he became a respected teacher and mentor—and where he met the love of his life, Katy. Anyone who met AL remembered him. He had a remarkable gift for engaging people through stories that stayed with you long after the conversation ended. His humor was quick and disarming, always delivered with a sense of innocent fun.

His students often remarked that his teaching methods were unlike any they had encountered. Many left class wondering, “How in the world did he think of that?” His philosophy and the effectiveness of his fighting style consistently amazed those he taught, making learning both challenging and genuinely enjoyable.

While AL’s mind was extraordinary, it was his heart that those closest to him will remember most. His love for his children, Michael and Katrina, was profound and often expressed with deep emotion. He treasured the memories they shared, reflected openly on the past, and found pure joy simply being in their presence.

His grandchildren—Gabriel, Zachary, and Jocelyn—captured his heart completely. He carried immense pride as their grandfather, cherishing every visit and often saying as they departed, “I miss them already.”

In his early fifties, AL became a father again to two young girls, Caitlin and Christine. The bond they formed was immediate and unbreakable. Caitlin was his constant companion and partner in crime, while Christine was his “bitty baby,” whose creativity and unique way of thinking he deeply admired. Their years together were filled with laughter, lessons, comfort after tears, and a watchful eye—especially when it came to boys. Above all, Alfredo made sure they always knew he would be there for them, no matter what.

AL’s nephews, Sean and Devan, also looked to him as a father figure, and he loved them as his own sons. He delighted in sharing stories of their adventures together—walking miles on Halloween just to see their excitement, or cutting down the “wrong” Christmas tree simply because it looked better. He watched with pride as they grew into the men they are today.

As a husband, AL’s love for Katy was unmistakable and unbreakable. Through life’s trials, they emerged stronger together. Alfredo found his greatest purpose in making Katy happy—through daily laughter, thoughtful gestures, and cooking her favorite meals. They cherished every moment together and expressed their love openly and often. Alfredo sought a simple, meaningful life, and in every way, he achieved it.

Services will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Glen Abbey “Little Chapel of Roses”, located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, California. The service will begin at 12:00 noon, followed by visitation until 4:00 p.m. A livestream will be available for loved ones unable to attend in person.

Serving as pallbearers are Elijah Gelsey, Stan Wong, Michael Nietes, Devan Hermann, Sean Hermann, and Mike Doyle.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:

Venmo; Shannon O'Hara @oharashannon7775