ALEX PRECIADO

1935 - 2022

ALEX CHICO S.

PRECIADO, JR.

May 28, 1935 Aug. 4, 2022

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Alex Preciado who went peacefully to be with the Lord at the age of 87. We were blessed to have him home surrounded by his beloved wife and family where we spent precious moments showering him with our love.

Alex was born on May 28, 1935 in Heber, CA to Julieta and Alejandro Preciado, Sr. He was the oldest of five children. Alex attended elementary school in Heber and graduated from Central Union High School.

Alex was a true gentleman and a devoted family man. Alex married the love of his life, Irene Gomez, in 1962 and they were blessed with three incredible sons, Arnold, David, and Richard. "My three sons", as he liked to refer to them, were his pride and joy and he loved them dearly. He was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments. He loved spending time with his family, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as they were the light of his life.

Everyone who knew Alex considered him to be a very kind and generous person. He was a quiet, simple, and humble man who loved unconditionally. He was very affectionate and expressed his love with kindness, hugs, and kisses without expecting anything in return. He always made everyone feel special.

Alex was a hard worker and at a very young age developed a great work ethic. In his early years he worked different jobs acquiring a range of skills. At age 13, he was mowing lawns and every summer the family would go to Fresno to work the grapevines. During the summers, Alex worked for Clarence Fairchild extracting honey from beehives. This was no easy job. As a freshman in high school, he worked as a carpenter helper. Later, as a senior in high school, Alex began working at Sagor Radiator Shop. This is where he learned the radiator trade that started his career. This is also where he got his nickname "Chico". There was another employee by the same name who was older and since Alex was younger, he got the nickname of Chico", meaning the young one. This nickname stayed with him the rest of his life.

Alex served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960 and trained in Fort Ord, CA and Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was later stationed in Dachau, Germany. He served as First Class Private and worked in the Maintenance and Repair Department servicing the artillery M44, tanks, trucks, and jeeps.

Upon his return from the service, he worked for Smith & Wardrup Glass where he learned the glass trade. For a brief period, he also worked for Kennerson Sheet Metal welding and making water tanks.

Alex eventually became self-employed and the owner of Chico's Radiator and Auto Glass Shop which was located at 4th and Aurora Street in El Centro. Through his hard work and dedication, he built a successful business. He operated the business for

40 years until his retirement in 2007.

Alex had many friends. He considered everyone who greeted him to be his friend. We would ask him, "Who's that person you just said hi to?" and he would say, That's my friend", or he might say, "Mi amigo". He may not have known them personally or knew their names but he considered everyone to be his friend.

Alex was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered as a kind and generous man whose love was endless. The loving memories he created with his family will forever reside in our hearts and will sustain us for the rest of our lives.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Julieta and Alejandro Preciado, Sr., and by his sister, Delia "Lila" Olague.

Alex is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Irene, of 60 years; his three sons and daughters-in-law, Arnold and Blanca Preciado, David and Leticia Preciado, Richard and Irma Preciado; seven grandchildren, Kariza (Sal Sambrano), Alejandro "Alito", David, Miguel, Julieta, Julian, and Loren Preciado; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Joaquin Sambrano; brother-in-law, Bobby Olague; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Armando Covarrubias; sister, Benita Preciado; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Geno Preciado; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and amigos.

Services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at St Mary's Catholic Church, beginning with the viewing at 9 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by the celebration of Mass at 10 a.m. with Father Ed Horning officiating. Interment with military honors, will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro, CA. Celebration of Life reception will follow the Burial at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse.