Albert Ordaz Paredes

Albert was born in East LA to John & Concepcion Paredes; he was their fourth of five boys. Living mainly in Boyle Heights, the family later moved to Moorpark when he was 16. He attended Moorpark Memorial High where he lettered in track. During the Korean War, he was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served honorably until 1954. While in the Army, Albert earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry

Badge, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars.

After serving in different branches of the military, all five Paredes sons returned home. Albert was taken by the quietness of a country town and set roots in Moorpark, which is where Albert and Cookie’s love story began with a first date to the Moorpark Volunteer Fireman’s Ball. They were married on February 25, 1956. He and Cookie raised Cecilia, Patty Ann and Buddy in their beloved town of Moorpark. Albert & Cookie enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, and camping up and down California’s coast. His favorite place was Lake Tahoe, where he & Cookie vacationed with their children, and later their grandkids.

Albert enjoyed watching sports, as his favorite professional teams were the Lakers, Dodgers and Raiders; his favorite college teams were UCLA and USC. Albert also enjoyed freshwater fishing, deep-sea fishing, woodworking and gardening. In every place that Albert called home, he created a beautiful garden with all his favorite flowers and plants.

Albert retired in 1990 after working more than 20 years for Vons. He enjoyed spending more time with his family and working as a gardener after retirement. Albert had an unyielding faith in God and regularly attended Holy Cross Church where he was an usher for over three decades.

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Cookie Paredes, daughters Cecilia Ceja (Juan), Patty Ann Paredes (Eddie), Buddy Paredes (Lori), grandchildren Celina, Sonia and Juanita Ceja, Jodie Smith, Ryder Paredes (Ashley), Sawyer Paredes (Becca), DJ Harrigan, Jake Paredes, Ethan Paredes, and two great-grandsons, Gavino Ross and Hunter Paredes. He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Concepcion, brothers John, Henry, Norman & George.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, located at 13955 Peach Hill Road in Moorpark. A celebration of life will take place following the services at the Holy Cross Reception Hall. Interment of his ashes will take place at a later date at Bakersfield National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please kindly donate to St. Jude, or your local animal shelter.