Alejandro M. Pimentel

August 26, 1928 - May 05, 2020

Alejandro Magno Pimentel was born in Oaxaca, Mexico on August 26, 1928 to Cromecio Pimentel and Isabel Magno Geovanelli. Alejandro was very young when his father Cromecio was killed when he rode out with a posse to catch a criminal and was stabbed. His mother died a short time later. Alejandro and his younger sister were sent to live in an orphanage. His younger sister died while at the orphanage. After some time his Godmother Aurelia Pimentel, his father’s sister, made arrangements for Alejandro to come live in her home. Aurelia was a disciplinarian and Alejandro was disciplined harshly but at the same time she made sure he was educated in private schools, and was dressed and fed well. When Alejandro was in his teens he was sent to Texas for school, from there on he stayed and took care of himself. He played American football, wrestling all in black with a black mask and was called “La muerte negra” (the black death). He would entertain his grandchildren with tales of his wrestling days. Mainly he would say he wore a mask so no one could recognize him.

After some time he went back to Mexico and lived in Tijuana. In 1958 he married Aida H. Pimentel and had 5 children, Alejandro H.( Eva),William,(Elena), Mauricio, Patricia (Malcolm) and Richard. Alejandro immigrated to the United States in 1965. Within a year he requested the American Consulate to emigrate his wife and children. Alejandro began to study the constitution and became a United States Citizen along with his family on November 21, 1971.

As his children became older he encouraged us to play sports. He was an active father. He managed to get us to all of our practices and was always in the crowd cheering us on. He would load up the station wagon with his children and all the neighborhood kids and take us to the park, the pool, trick or treating on Coronado. Many summer memories were made at the pool. He would participate in the “Walk for ManKind” fundraisers for many years walking 20 miles with us. His love of baseball carried him into his son’s adult life. Many years were spent watching my brothers play adult leagues. He could be found in the dugout keeping score.

Alejandro worked at Ratner's, a factory that made men’s clothing. He worked there for 36 years and made many friends. He played in a bowling league every Friday with co-workers, he was a good bowler. When Rateners closed down he went to work at Petco Headquarters as a janitor. He worked there into his 80’s. He enjoyed his time there.

Alejandro had 6 grandchildren: Guillermo, Anel (Alex), Adrian (Vanessa), Dannielah, Malcolm and Zachary, and 6 great grandchildren: Vincente, Sabastian, Jordyn, William II, Benjamin and Ayden. He was a loving grandfather, he was called by his grandchildren “Venga”. Many memories are shared with his grandchildren. Especially allowing them to indulge in as much ice cream as they wanted.

In reflecting about my dad’s life. I came to realize I had no memories of him drinking or ever being drunk. When I ask about it I was told he never drank or smoked in his life. When I asked if he had ever said why. He never said why which was my other reflection my dad spoke very little of his childhood or youth. What stories I have of him from his early days were repeated to me by my mother or stories that he would tell when the opportunity arose. The wrestling story was told to my husband and sons when my dad saw that they were watching wrestling on TV. His time playing football came from a picture of him in uniform.

Alejandro lived a full life. He enjoyed his time at Pace in Chula Vista. At first he didn’t want to participate. He said it was mainly old people (he was in his late 80’s) but the staff worked hard and in time he grew very fond of the program and looked forward to going. He had made so many friends. With their support he was able to stay at home until a week before his death. For their support we his family will always be very appreciative.