Albert Estrada Madrid Jr.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Albert Madrid, who left us on August 23, 2026, at the age of 80. Al lived a full life filled with family, laughter, and more than a few good card games. He loved to joke, he loved to laugh, and he had a way of bringing humor into everyday moments. Those who knew him will remember his personality, his stories, and the laughter that so often surrounded him.

Al was also a man of strong beliefs who believed deeply in equality, education, and creating opportunities for others. As a young man in the 1960s, he was committed to the Chicano Movement in Los Angeles and the fight for greater educational and social opportunities for Mexican Americans and the Latino community.

Education was especially meaningful to Al because he understood firsthand what it meant to overcome barriers. At a time when it was uncommon for Latinos from his community to pursue higher education, Al became one of the first Chicanos in his family and neighborhood to earn a master’s degree from Pepperdine University in Early Childhood Education. It was an accomplishment that represented much more than a degree, it reflected his determination to succeed at a time when opportunities for people from his background were far from equal. He carried those experiences and beliefs into a remarkable 40 year career in education. Throughout his career, Al remained steadfast in one of his most deeply held principles- every child deserves an equal opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. He dedicated much of his life to helping make that belief a reality for children and families who too often faced barriers to equal educational opportunities.

Retirement gave Al the chance to embrace another side of himself and enjoy the things that simply made him happy. He had a lifelong love of blackjack and poker, and becoming a card dealer in retirement was a natural fit for someone who enjoyed the games, the people, the conversation, and of course, the opportunity for a good joke and a laugh. Then there was Las Vegas….a place Al truly loved. His passion for casinos went far beyond the games. Al became an avid casino chip collector, and what started as a hobby became something he genuinely loved. Las Vegas was always a favorite destination, but his search didn't stop there. He enjoyed visiting casinos throughout the United States, always keeping an eye out for that perfect chip to add to his collection. Each casino was another adventure, another story, and another opportunity to find something special. His collection became a reflection of years of travels, memories, and a passion that was uniquely his. For Al, sometimes the fun wasn't simply finding the chip, it was the journey and the story that came along with finding it.

Above all the things Al treasured during his retirement, nothing compared to his granddaughters, Alivia and Annalise. Being their grandfather brought him tremendous happiness and pride, spending as much time with them as he could and creating memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. There was not a prouder grandfather to be found.

At the center of Al’s life was his wife. He shared 57 years of marriage with Arlene whom he lovingly called “Arlena.” Together they built a life and a family that spanned more than five decades, sharing all of the chapters that come with a lifetime spent side by side. Al is survived by his wife Arlene, sister Corrine, brother Bill, two daughters Anita and Alanna and his two granddaughters Alivia and Annalise. He leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his own family. It lives in the children and families he served, in the principles he stood for, in the barriers he helped break, in the stories and laughter he shared, and most importantly, in the family he loved.

Rest peacefully, Albert, Gordie, Al, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend-️ May there always be laughter, a good seat waiting for you at the card table and one more perfect casino chip waiting to be found.