Alexander Monterrosa

Alexander Monterrosa obituary

Alexander Monterrosa

Alexander Monterrosa Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel - Anchorage on Jul. 23, 2025.

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Alexander Monterrosa, 79, died peacefully at his Anchorage home on July 22, 2025, in the caring presence of Kathleen, his beloved wife of 57 years, devoted brother Mario, son Antonio, daughter-in-law Willow, and grandchildren Cinnamon, Sabrina, and Joaquin. St. Patrick's parish in Anchorage will host an 11 a.m. visitation on Friday, August 8, 2025, followed by a noon Mass that may be livestreamed at st.patsak.org. A San Francisco memorial will be held the afternoon of Sunday, October 5, 2025 at a site to be disclosed by contacting the family at janssenfuneralhomes.com Obituaries.

Alex spent his San Francisco childhood terrorizing Richmond District neighbors with Mario, climbing Golden Gate Park trees to drop pinecones on cars, jumping roof-to-roof to run laps over every house on their block, digging for lead on the Presidio shooting range during live firing exercises, blasting neighbors' windows with their marble cannon, and lassoing kids riding by on bicycles. Alex loved shoplifting candy, but after being nearly caught at age 11, Alex's delinquency ended. He returned in his 20s to apologize to the store owner and pay for what he had stolen.

Rosa and José, Alex's firm but loving immigrant parents from El Salvador, placed a premium on education. Alex spoke no English in kindergarten and his primary school teachers publicly ridiculed his writing, but Alex persisted, and as an eighth grader won San Francisco's citywide writing contest with his "Why I Love America" essay. Denied admission into St. Ignatius High, Rosa appealed to St. Ignatius' Father Reed, a kind champion of underdogs, who allowed Alex into the prep school whose Jesuit instructors Alex forever credited for instilling an unwavering ethical, spiritual, and academic backbone that would serve him all his life.

Alex spent nine years attending USF while wooing Kathy and working nights as a psychiatric ward technician, then moved to Alaska in 1975 to begin his 21 year career as an elementary school teacher. Despite his rigorous academic expectations, every student at Baxter knew that Mr. Monterrosa was The Funny Teacher. Alex staunchly advocated Cooperative Learning, believing that teachers needed to step aside when appropriate to allow students to help teach each other and mediate their conflicts themselves, hence his "Sink or Swim Together" mantra. As a result, kids who entered second grade with behavioral problems or learning deficits most often completed second grade with empathy, knowledge, and friends. Alex later served as a counselor at Mountain View, then finished his career at Chugiak as the Anchorage School District's first Spanish Immersion kindergarten teacher. His encore jobs included volunteer ushering at the Alaska Performing Arts Center, and jovially entertaining cruise ship tourists as an Alaska Railroad guide.

Quick to remind you that he lacked world-class speed, Alex nevertheless amassed jaw-dropping statistics over a 30 year running career: 71,000+ miles (nearly three times around the world!), including a 13+ year streak of never missing a day. Alex was chosen to represent El Salvador as a marathoner at the 1976 Montreal Olympic games. He shifted from running to biking at age 53, and spent the next 25 years grinding his $200 bike up terrible hills that would paralyze men half his age.

Alex shared the deepest, most loving relationship with the Lord, and spent hours each day praying for others, always while running or biking. If you knew Alex, there is a 100% chance that he prayed for you. Likewise, every moment spent with Kathy was Alex's most joyous gift. Without fail, Alex kissed Kathy daily, declaring how much he loved her, and how blessed he felt to be loved by her.

The most cherished gift you could give Kathy would be to please visit janssenfuneralhomes.com Obituaries to "Share a Memory" and post a short video. Alex was the biggest cheerleader of every person he met, and his family would love to see your face and hear your stories.

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

Sign Alexander Monterrosa's Guest Book

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August 12, 2025

The Watsjold/Isbell families planted trees.

August 8, 2025

Richard J Wenrich Sr posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2025

Grant Ute posted to the memorial.

Single Memorial Tree

The Watsjold/Isbell families

Planted Trees

Richard J Wenrich Sr

August 8, 2025

My best memories of Alex will always be those of his providing blessing at events like the Swanson Bowl and Pulsators annual Groundhogs Day dinners. He had a way of saying the right thing for the occasion. Rest in peace Alex.

Grant Ute

August 8, 2025

Alex and I met at St. Ignatius High School and I got to know him much better at the University of San Francisco. In reflecting back and also remembering our 60th high school reunion last year, one thing stands out about him:
Alex would not allow you to know him superficially.

I think this comes from the fact that we shared a Jesuit education which was value and spiritually based. I particularly remember Alex from USF and how he took very seriously our required Theology studies (reading Martin Buber´s I and Thou) and the inspiring Sociology courses of Father Eugene Schallert, SJ, who challenged us with the writings of Theilhard de Chardin. Philosophy and Theology studies were meant to be meaningful in our daily lives. Ethics were paramount with Alex.
You were always a "thou" with Alex.

I fondly recall being able to talk with both Alex and Kathy (whom I also met at USF) at the reunion. Kathy, you have always exuded grace and kindness. I hope you and your family are comforted knowing that you have been blessed to have had Alex in your lives all these years. He is a lasting model of truth, grace and friendship.
Requiescat in pace, frater.

Grant Ute
Alameda California

Single Memorial Tree

Kathleen Zamora

Planted Trees

Brian Oliver

July 31, 2025

Mr. Monterrosa was my kindergarten Spanish teacher at Chugiak Elementary during the first year of the Spanish Immersion program. We ran into each other 15 years later at a shopping mall in Anchorage, and what´s incredible about him is he immediately recognized me-as a 21 year-old-and said my full name without hesitation! That speaks volumes to how much he cared about his students and those closest to him. I wish nothing but the best for his loved ones, and may Mr. Monterrosa rest in peace.

Will Brown

July 30, 2025

Mr. Monterrosa,

I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You were more than just an elementary school teacher to me-you were a guiding light, a source of encouragement, and someone who truly cared about every student. The lessons you taught me, both inside and outside the classroom, have stayed with me throughout my life. You made a lasting impact on me, and I know I´m not alone in that.

Thank you for all the love and wisdom you shared. You´ll always be remembered as the best teacher I ever had.

Rest in peace.

Will "Arlo" Brown

Scooter Bentson

July 24, 2025

Holding you in light and love, Kathy and family. Hugs, Scooter Bentson

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Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel - Anchorage

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Sign Alexander Monterrosa's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 12, 2025

The Watsjold/Isbell families planted trees.

August 8, 2025

Richard J Wenrich Sr posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2025

Grant Ute posted to the memorial.