Federico Guerrero Villalpando

Fred was born on March 2, 1956 in Purisima del Rincon, Guanajuato, Mexico, a state known as the shoe capital of the world to Joaquin Guadalupe Villalpando & Maria DamianaVillapando- Guerrero. He lost his father at a very young age, leaving his mother widowed with 8 children and a little one on the way. He vividly remembered and often shared stories of his youth; baths with his father in the hot springs or helping his older siblings with the folding of cardboard for the shoe boxes in order to make ends meet.  For it was said, that “Feder-iquito” (little Fred) would say, “Todos aqui tienen que trabajar para comer”, Everyone here has to work to eat. This work ethic was bestowed upon him at the tender age of five and lasted a lifetime, for it was his trademark and eventually his legacy.

When times became financially unbearable his beloved mother, a US Citizen, decided to return to the USA. With the support of her dear brother, Valente, sister-in-law Mercedes and sister Virginia she made the journey to California with her nine children and mother, Carmen Lopez-Guerrero.

Fred was the seventh of nine children, he was adored and spoiled by Grandma Carmen. He was a great soccer player and received a scholarship to Laguna Blanca High School in Santa Barbara, CA. He went on to UCSB to pursue a career in Sociology and helped his brother with his gardening business on the weekends.  When working appeared to be more profitable, than a college degree, he then decided self-employment was the way to go and Freds landscaping business was born, for it provided money in his pocket and a decent living. 

It was in Santa Barbara, Ca, where he met Irma Gonzalez who soon became his wife.  They married and had their first son, Esteban Federico in Santa Barbara.  Moved to Chula Vista, Ca., where Daniel Jesus and Loren Caren were born.  And though, they did not remain married they shared a bond of family for their children for 42 years.

 In 2000, Fred met Lidia, known to all now as Lala. They married in 2001 and had a son, Andres Adan, a wonderful addition to the growing family.  In December of 2021, they would have celebrated their 20 year wedding anniversary. Lidia devotedly cared for Fred until his very last breath.

Fred loved to work as much as he loved his family. He looked into a 7/11 franchise, a taco shop, eventually buying real estate and Imperial Beach Lawn Equipment and Repair. 

He was thrilled when his children became business owners and was always available to help, no matter what, no matter where, he showed up.  He showed up for his family, every day. He was there for the birth of his first grandchild, Mikaela and the latest addition, Valentina.  

He is preceded in death by his brothers, Juan Jose and Gerardo Villalpando. Survived by his loving wife, Lidia Villalpando, sisters Julita (Ricardo) Valenzuela, Anastasia (Jorge) Murillo, Josefina (Everett) Silva, Irene Guerrero, Maria de Jesus Villalpando and brother Guadalupe Villalpando. His three sons Esteban F. Villalpando (Maritza), Daniel J. Villalpando (Melody), Andres A. Villalpando and daughter, Loren C. Sanchez (Alex). 

His stories, his silliness and “Fred-isms” will be remembered in our hearts for eternity and will be told by all who loved him so, especially his eight grandchildren, the twinkle of his eyes; Mikaela, Mirayah, Mia, Esteban, Jr. Alessia, Santiago, Luciano and Valentina.

He left us all too soon, but he will remain in us through our work ethic and dedication to family, for we are a reflection of him.  Forever in our hearts.  We love you dad. Rest in Paradise

An evening visitation for Federico will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Glen Abbey's "Little Chapel of the Roses" located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, California 91902. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 9:30 AM at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 293 H St, Chula Vista, California 91911 with a graveside service to follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Park located at 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, California 91902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Villalpando family.