Angel Sierra Obituary

Angel Manuel Sierra "Beco"

Resident of Santa Clara

Angel was born on November 12, 1942 in Fairmont City, IL and entered into rest on September 17, 2010 in Santa Clara. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Alice; daughters Cristina Sierra-Mundo (Gerardo), and Ann-Marie Sierra; and his grandchildren, Isabel and Joelle. Angel was a teacher at Archbishop Mitty High School before becoming an academic counselor and professor of chemistry at Foothill Community College where he worked for more than 30 years.

Friends and family are invited to a funeral mass on Saturday, October 9 at 10am at St. Clare's Church 941 Lexington Ave., Santa Clara.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to FHDA Foundation, Angel Sierra Scholarship 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills, CA 94022. Arrangements by BEDDINGFIELD FUNERAL SERVICE (408) 777-8100.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Sep. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Angel Sierra

10 Entries

Fred S. Vernacchia, MD

April 7, 2025

I did not see until now that I could add a message. I had known of Angel's passing for a while. So sad. Angel was my Chemistry teacher in 1969-70 my sophomore year at Mitty High School. He is the reason why I became a Chem major at UCSD. I graduated there with BA in Chem, went on to Grad School in Chem at Stanford, dropped out to go to UCSF med school. I will always attribute my continuing love of chemistry to Angel (I am a home winemaker because of my love of chemistry!). The last time I saw Angel was on one visit to SJ when I returned from a break at UCSD and enjoyed a wonder chat about college with Angel and Alice in their living room. I will never forget this experience and the wonderful year I had as his student!

Layne Spitzenberger Kiker

February 20, 2025

Angel Sierra changed my life. My first day at college, in a remedial math class he said "somehow you have fallen through the cracks" and told us many of his students went on to do great things. I became a doctor and business owner employing 31 people and his encouragement was the start of everything i did. I love this man dearly. Rest in peace Angel you are with the Angels now and you are one to me.

Pierre JENNY, Switzerland

September 12, 2023

It is hard to hear that Mr. Sierra passed 12 years ago. I allways remember the teacher but couldn't remember his name until I recently met a student of Mitty from the year 71. Mr. Sierra was the first chemistry teacher of my cursus to PHD in pharmacy, he made chemistry understandable and very interesting to me to the point that, after studying law, I moved to pharmaceutical sciences and finally spent my life as a pharmacist; I had a tremendous professionnal life thanks to him I should say. Also, Mr Sierra made firmly clear to some students that he would not tolerate racism in his classroom and he was very courageous in the way he did it. I wanted to tell him this story but I'll have to wait until I meet him again in the next world. In this world, I remember a great man.

Dr Layne Spitzenberger

October 6, 2018

I was heartbroken to hear of Professor Sierras passing. He changed my life. His kindness and academic encouragement took me from nothing to a doctoral degree when I did not believe in myself. He said you are here because somewhere you had fallen through the cracks, and told of how his students had gone on to great achievements. Those words of encouragement stayed with me my entire life. I was in the process of trying to find him and thank him and found out this sad news. God be with you, you kind loving man.

Joni Naves-Neal

November 10, 2010

Dear Alice, Ann Marie and Tina,
Our family informed me of Angel's passing today. His wonderful smile will always remain in my memory. Our best to all of you.

Steve Byers

October 9, 2010

Angel Sierra was a teacher of mine at Archbishop Mitty in 1965. He was very kind and caring. I did not see Angel after graduation but thought of him. Take care Angel and say hi to Father James who was buried yesterday. Father James was at Mitty when Angel taught at Mitty.
Steve Byers (Encinitas, CA)

October 5, 2010

Alice, Ann Marie and Tina,
We were very saddened to hear of Angel passing away. He was a great person and friend. He will be missed very much. I (Greg) had a great time with him everytime we got together. He knew how to enjoy life and made everyone around him feel good. Let us know if we can help with anything.

Your neighbors,
Greg and Martha Minor.

Monica and Dave Ferrito

September 27, 2010

Angel, So many things Fresno Street will miss about you!! Especially your amazing smile and wave whenever we passed by. But we know you are at rest and surrounded by many angels. You will be missed by the Rodriguez Family, but know you will always be in your heart and prayers. I am sure my Grandpa "needed his Angel there" send our love up in heaven...xoxo

Foothill College Marketing Team

September 27, 2010

I'm so very sorry for your family's loss, Ann-Marie. I love how your dad laughed! No matter what we laughed at, we laughed loud! And the best part is that you have his laugh--a wonderful legacy! We're all thinking good thoughts for you and your family. Much love.
Foothill Marketing Team--Kurt, Chris, Lee, Pam, Peter, Shelley & Lori T.

Annette Durk

September 26, 2010

Fresno Street will miss you! Angel you enjoyed life, family and friends! You were truly one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this difficult time! We love you all!

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