Alberto Lopez Hinojosa

Alberto Lopez Hinojosa was born in Weslaco, Texas on February 15, 1929. He entered into rest peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024. Al was preceded in death by his wife, Ardath Lee Murray Hinojosa, his father, Justo B. Hinojosa, mother, Dominga Lopez Hinojosa, sisters, Amalia Gonzales (Mollie), Audelia Garza (Delia), Aurora Hernandez (Mary) and daughter-in-law, Claudia Cantini Hinojosa.

Al is survived by his son, Lance, grandson Cameron, wife Victoria, great granddaughter Paige, great grandson Grant, grandson Mitchell, wife Elizabeth and great grandson Mateo. He is also survived by his sisters, Amelia Saenz, Adalia (Dolly) Esparza, Alicia (Alice) Teter, Adelina (Lena) Arechiga, brothers Armando (Mando) and Arnaldo (Arnie), nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Born and raised during the Great Depression when many families struggled, Al and his siblings continued their education and at the same time helped their dad in the fields. He graduated from Weslaco High School in 1948 and received recognition for high achievement in mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army from November 1950 to October 1952, achieving the rank of sergeant first class. He was initially assigned to Ft. Carson in Colorado and later Ft. Richardson in Alaska, during the early years of the Cold War. This was a culture and temperature shock for a young man from deep South Texas.

Upon his honorable discharge, he moved to Houston, became gainfully employed and enrolled in the University of Houston where he began his engineering studies. He worked for several engineering firms throughout his career and retired from Anderson Greenwood in the late 1970’s. In 1980, he started his own company specializing in the design and sales of valve packing and seats.

It was in Houston in 1957, where he met the love of his life, Ardath, with whom he would spend the next 50 plus years. He was lovingly devoted to her until her passing in 2016.

Al will be remembered as an example of a great family man. He deeply loved his wife, son, grandsons, great grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters and extended family. He was delighted and proud to see his grandsons earn their college degrees, grow to become young men and start their own families. Al was an exceptionally kind and faithful friend. He cultivated many strong friendships throughout the years. His friends spanned across many cultures and age groups.

Al was an active member of the St. Ambrose Catholic Church where he served as usher for many years. He enjoyed being with family, golfing, following his grandsons’ sports teams and cooking for others. One would say that food was his love language. Over the years, he was also active in the Boys Scouts, Kiwanis Club and sponsored many of his grandsons’ baseball teams.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church located at 4213 Mangum Road, Houston Texas 77092 on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 9:30 AM, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Al will be interred beside his beloved wife at the Houston Veterans National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kiwanis Club of Greater North Houston, 7930 Emerald Bluff Ct., Houston TX 77095, in memory of Alberto L. Hinojosa.