Albino Perez Cortez

Albino Perez Cortez—known to many as Al, and to some as “Elvis”—passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, just three weeks after his beloved wife, Vita. He was 87 years old. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Al will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Al was born in Baguio, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, the youngest of six siblings. After attending college in Manila, he moved to San Francisco to pursue his career as a Mechanical Engineer. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Vita, in Reno, Nevada. One year later—on their first wedding anniversary—they welcomed their first son, Frederick (Fred). Their daughter, Analisa (Lisa), arrived in December 1975, a beautiful Christmas gift. Today, Al leaves behind four handsome grandsons: Javani, Keith, Julius, and Marcus, who were the pride and joy of his later years.

Al was the definition of a hardworking family man. Throughout his career, he held two jobs, working at both Stanford and Agnew Hospital. Even after retirement, he stayed busy in the best way—by being a full‑time grandfather. Picking up his grandkids from school and taking them to McDonald’s before CCD this became the highlight of his day. He was always the first one in the parking lot, sometimes arriving three hours early just to secure the perfect spot.

Family time meant everything to Al. He loved road trips to Reno, camping adventures with the Barkada families, and later in life, he found joy in playing bingo several days a week. Social, friendly, and well‑known everywhere he went, Al had a gift for connecting with people.

He was also the family mechanic—if it had an engine, Al could fix it. And if it didn’t have an engine, he’d probably figure out how to fix that too. A loyal sports fan, he proudly supported his teams, always dressed head‑to‑toe in team gear, complete with his signature blingy belts and gold jewelry.

And of course, there was Elvis. Al was a huge fan, and at one point in his life, he even looked like him. Music and dancing were a big part of Al and Vita’s life together. They were always the first couple on the dance floor—ballroom, cha‑cha, swing, tango—you name it, they danced it. Their energy, rhythm, and joy were unforgettable.

Just a week before he passed, Al received a new leg brace. The very first thing he said was that he planned to dance on Christmas. That was who he was—hopeful, spirited, and always ready for one more song.

Today, we take comfort in imagining Al and Vita together again, dancing in Heaven just as beautifully as they did here on Earth. May they rest in peace, reunited, and may their love continue to guide us.