Alejo Dichoso Calaoagan Sr.

On July 17, 1939, Alejo was born to Francisco and Rufina Calaoagan in Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Alejo’s childhood home was the center of the Calaoagan family. He came from a farming family and often reminisced about his childhood. The youngest of eight siblings, he would help the family with many tasks. He talked about caring for the animals, working in the fields and gathering wood. His sister, Josephine, though, would joke about his laziness.

He attended Dingras High School and went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of the East, Manila in 1961. He continued with his education and received his CPA certification from the Board of Accountancy, Republic of the Philippines in 1964.

He was introduced to Teresita Hipolito by his sister-in-law, Susan, in 1963. She eventually moved to Canada, but they kept in touch through letters. In December, 1966, Teresita went back to the Philippines for a vacation. It was then that they became inseparable, marrying just a few months later on February 11, 1967 in Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

He always had bigger plans for his life. In March 1968, Alejo moved his young wife and infant daughter, Rufina, to Canada, thousands of miles from home. They settled in St. Paul, AB, where there was a growing Filipino community, including his sister-in-law, Candida Guirao, Teresita’s sister. He took his first job at Zarowny Motors as an accountant. Soon after settling, their 2nd daughter, Joy, was born in St. Paul, AB, followed by 3rd daughter Angela.

In 1971, Alejo and Tessie bought their first home in Leduc, AB. It was in Leduc that they welcomed their 4th daughter, Alma. The Filipino community that welcomed him became an important part of his and his family’s life, providing support while he, in turn, helped many who also dreamed of a better life abroad. To this day, his children lovingly refer to these friends as aunties, uncles and cousins.

In 1974, Alejo moved his family to Livermore, California to live with his sister,

Josephine. He had planned to start a CPA business with his brother-in-law. The plans never came to fruition though, so he frequently traveled to San Jose to look for work. It was during his job search that he found the family’s first home in the US. In 1976, he moved the family to the sprawling community of Milpitas, CA. In 1980, Alejo Jr. was born. The family was now complete.

Alejo strongly believed in the value of an education, his philosophy being that education was something that no one could take away from you. He was proud that he was able to support his five children, all graduates of San Jose State University. He assisted with the education of his nieces and nephews in the Philippines, as well as donated educational materials to an elementary school in his hometown of Dingras. His generosity touched many.

For over 20 years, he worked for Santa Clara County in California holding many different positions, mostly in the County Assessor’s Office and in Social Services. Always looking out for his fellow Filipinos, he helped many find jobs within the County. He was involved in numerous non-profit organizations including (just to name a few) the Jaycees (Canada), Lions Club, Filipino Association of Milpitas, Filipino Association of Santa Clara County, Filipino Association of Lakewood Village, United Dingreños of Northern California, and most recently the Knights of Columbus. His desire to help and serve was simply a part of his character.

In 2000, Alejo retired to Las Vegas, Nevada. Always an accountant, he would say that he moved because of the tax benefits. It proved to be the right decision. He bought his first home in the Summerlin area. Wanting a bigger home where all of their kids and families would have space to visit, he moved closer to Henderson where Teresita found her “dream home”. In retirement, Alejo and his wife happily hosted many visitors, playing tour guide and casino chaperone. He enjoyed gardening, growing everything from bittermelon to calamansi to grapes in the Las Vegas desert. To complement his already vast knowledge of gardening, he earned a Master Gardener Certification from UNLV. His greatest joy, though, was his legacy. His family. Whenever possible, he was at every birthday, graduation, celebration. The epitome of family patriarch.

On Friday, October 20, 2023, Alejo was removed from life support after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. Once taken off the ventilator, Alejo took his time, his heart beating strongly and breathing comfortably on his own for more than 16 hours. Teresita would say it was his last act of stubbornness. The family slept at his side, played him music, turned on a football game and talked with him. Several relatives from around the world, including the Philippines, Germany, Hawaii and Texas talked to him via speaker phone. On Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by those who loved him the most, he passed away peacefully ready to enter the Gates of Heaven. His generous heart, his love of reading, his love of sports, his determination and ambition, his ability to take any small seed or leaf and nurture it to full bloom, next to his dedication to being a husband and father will be just a few of the things we remember him by.

Alejo is preceded in death by his parents and his 7 siblings.

Alejo is survived by his wife of 56 years Teresita, his children Rufina, Joy, Angela and Randolf, Alma and David, and Alex Jr.; his 12 grandchildren Matthew, Daniel, Gabrielle, Jordan, Jalen, Jadon, Kaela, Aisa, Iman Karin, Mayumi, Karisyo and Halina; and his 2 great-grandchildren, Oliver and Elijah.

We will celebrate his life on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV.

Visitation: 2:00-4:00 pm.

Funeral service: 4:00-5:00 pm

Reception to follow: 5:00-7:00 pm

Memorials may be given to Teresita Calaoagan.

The family of Alejo wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Palm Eastern Mortuary and Cemetery, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the many family members who have poured out their love, care, respect and support during this difficult time.