Alfonso Antonio Parada Guerra, born June 6, 1921 in Viracachá, Colombia, passed quietly away on Sunday, April 14 at his home in Richardson surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Clara, and his four children, Alfonso Jr., Luis Fernando, Clara and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He overcame a humble upbringing in the high-altitude Andean village of Viracachá to become a career military officer and later a successful economist. However, he considered his family the greatest success of his life. He was exemplified by his sense of duty, honesty, integrity and devotion to his wife and family. He was a man of simple needs full of warm love and affection for his family and friends. A devout Catholic, he loved St. Joseph's parish where he is affectionately remembered. He will be sorely missed by all those he touched. A Mass of Resurrection will be held in his name on Friday, April 19, at 1:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 600 S. Jupiter Rd., Richardson, TX. In lieu of flowers donations on his behalf can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
