Alfredo Fuentes

Alfredo Fuentes, 93, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Rio Grande Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. He was born on November 3, 1924 to José and Felipa Fuentes. A lifelong resident of McAllen, he was best known as one of the main bakers for the Fuentes family business; La Estrella Panaderia. His hard work at La Estrella spawned loyal clientele throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley for over 50 years. Many still remember La Estrella as one of the most iconic businesses in McAllen that produced delicious Pan de Dulce from 1927 to 1991 when it finally closed its doors. Some of their most popular recipes were Pan de Polvo, Empanadas, Molletes, Bolios, and Ojos de Pancha. 

Alfredo was a dedicated and loving father, husband, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be remembered for his honesty, loyalty and thoughtfulness towards his family. He never forgot anyone's birthday and always made it a point to call or send a birthday card to all his family members. It was amazing to see how his memory never failed him and how sharp his mind remained up until his very last day on earth. Our family will always remember his sense of humor and how he could lighten up your day with one of his hilarious "chistes." Everyone that knew him will remember him for his simple and good natured way of life.      

Alfredo graduated from McAllen High School in 1943.  Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Martina Cortez who he married on August 11, 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. They had six children and spent the rest of their life raising and educating their kids. After the loss of his beloved wife in 2005, he spent the rest of his years dedicating his time to his children and extended family. He looked forward to "merienda" every Sunday with his children, catching up with family activities and where pan de dulce was enjoyed. 

Alfredo is preceded in death by his wife, Martina C. Fuentes; his daughter, Maria de Jesus Guerra; his son-in-law Dr. Gilberto Pulido; his parents Jose and Felipa Fuentes; his sister Delia Fuentes; and his brothers Ricardo Fuentes, Arturo Fuentes, and Jose (Chito) Fuentes Jr.  He is survived by his children Alfredo (Diana) Fuentes, Jr. of Mission, Texas; Elizabeth Pulido; Dr. Alejandro (Lilia) Fuentes; Hilda (Eddie) Ramos; and Alberto (Alma) Fuentes of McAllen, Texas. He is also survived by his son-in-law Norberto Guerra of Weslaco, Texas; a brother Gilberto (Victoria) Fuentes of Tennessee; 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. 

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Marbella Rios, Letty Garcia, and Mari Silva for their dedication and loving care to their father. They would also like to express their gratitude to Med-Ex Home Health for their outstanding care and attention to his health care needs. 

The pallbearers will be his grandchildren Lorena Guerra, Aaron Fuentes, Dr. Angel Pulido, Daniel Fuentes, Victor Pulido, Allen Fuentes, Adam Ramos, and Andres A. Fuentes.

A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, October 12, 2018 at Rivera Funeral Home,1910 Pecan in McAllen from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The recital of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM
Funeral services will be on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St.Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in McAllen.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen.

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