Obituary of Alejandro Belogot Esteban

Alejandro Esteban passed away peacefully in Gonzales, CA, on February 12th, 2018, at the age of 90. He was born and raised in Umingan (Pangasinan,) Philipines on January 5th, 1928, to Antonio Sarmiento Esteban and Valeriana Opido Belogot. Alejandro earned 12 years general education and attended some college. Alejandro lived in various places throughout his life including, Pangansinan, Philipines, Marina, Seaside, Castroville, and Salinas, California, Alamosa, Colorado, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Alejandro held various jobs throughout his life including, furniture doctor, entrepreneur, property owner, and handyman. He was a proud Veteran of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War and obtained many honors and medals such as the National Defense Service Medal w/OLC; Army Occupation Medal (Germany); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea) EIB, Sr. Parachutist Badge; Drill Sgt. Badge GCM w/4th Awd; Vietnam Service Medal; RVNCM; ACM. Alejandro enjoyed fixing things, repurposing everything, was a self-taught handyman, and was all about doing it yourself. With a green thumb, he was great at growing almost anything and produced gardens wherever he lived. He was thought to be the original 'tiny house' inventor because in the early 1980's he received a school bus via donation and turned it into a fully functional home on wheels. He was a 49ers faithful fan, but when he moved to Colorado, he also became a Broncos fan. While living in E. Salinas in the late 1980's, he was put in the local newspaper for planting trees around the neighborhood. He also jogged around those very blocks every morning before the sun came out- he actually jogged every morning up into his mid-70's, something he had done since he joined the military as a young man. He was a great cook in the kitchen and no-one could cook quite like "pops". Using vegetables of every kind, mixing of spices and flavors, and making each meal his own unique way- his family will miss it all since all the recipes were from the heart and never measured. Alejandro owned a few properties and took pride in caring for each one, but most importantly he had a big heart and treated his tenants like family. He would open his doors to anyone in need and gave to those who simply asked, he was always very kind. He created his own greeting cards and through them wanted the message to touch each individual. Aside from accomplishing a family and being a proud father, Alejandro was always proud of his service in the Army. Although he experienced trauma from the wars he was in, he said, "It was the time of my life." By that, he meant it opened-up a grandeur of opportunity, not only for him as a young man, but for his parents and siblings as well. He served over twenty years in the US Army and retired as a Drill Sgt. One of his favorite sayings is, "If the spirit doesn't move you, you've got to move the spirit." A man of many talents, a big heart, and one who tried to make his community an environmentally better place. Alejandro attended St. Jude's Catholic Church, was involved with the Knights of Columbus, coined the Vigilante's of America in Alamosa, CO., Volunteered at the Salvation Army, and was a member of A.L. William's investment group. Alejandro was preceded in death by his parents Antonio Sarmiento Esteban (9-3-1993) and Valeriana Opido Belogot (9-24-2000) and his grand-daughter, Anjelene Khaleesi Esteban-Tavale (10-5-2017). He is survived by his previous wife of 13 years and friend Lydwina K. Esteban his children, daughter, Arlene and Glenn Richards, son, Alejandro "Andy" Esteban Jr., son Jeffrey and Kelly Esteban, son, Everett Esteban, son, Michael Esteban, son, Jerry Esteban, son, Fa'afua Esteban, son, Augustine Esteban, and daughter, Anjelene Esteban. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Esteban, brother, Alfredo Esteban, sister, Carmelita Esteban, brother, Rodolfo Esteban, and brother, Reynardo Esteban. He is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 23rd, 2018 from 2-6 pm at Seaside Funeral Home with a recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 24th, 2018 at Seaside Funeral home beginning at 11:00 am. A Graveside Service will be held immediately following the funeral at Mission Memorial Park will full Military Honors taking place.