Wilfredo Escorpiso Alejo

Wilfredo "Fred" Escorpiso Alejo, Sr., 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 2, 2025, in Bakersfield, California. Fred was born on March 10, 1944, in Asingan, Pangasinan, Philippines, to Celso Garcia Alejo and Carolina Escorpiso Alejo. His father, a member of the Philippine Scouts under the command of the U.S. Army during World War II, later migrated to the United States, granted citizenship, and brought the family to California. Fred spent his early years in Paso Robles before the family settled in Delano, where he attended Delano High School and graduated with the Class of 1963. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving four years with distinction. He spent two years deployed overseas in the Middle East-specifically in Turkey-and two years at Edwards Air Force Base, training and working as a mechanic for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. His military service laid the foundation for his lifelong career as a diesel and tractor mechanic. After leaving the service, Fred began a civilian career that would span more than four decades. He worked as a field technician for SW Machinery, specializing on all manner of John Deere tractors & engines, where his mechanical expertise and problem-solving ability earned him numerous accolades. Yet among all his accomplishments, Fred took great pride in knowing that all three of his sons became college graduates and served in the military with honor and distinction - a reflection of the values he instilled through quiet perseverance and example. Fred married the love of his life, Pacencia Jean Alejo, and together they shared 61 years of marriage built on devotion, hard work, and mutual respect. He is survived by his wife, Pacencia Jean Alejo of Bakersfield, CA; sons Fred Alejo, Jr. (Brighton, MI), Matthew Alejo (Bakersfield, CA), and Alexander ( Misty) Alejo (Huntsville, AL); siblings Norma Alejo (CA), Gloria Lacuna (OH), and Celso Alejo (Hong Kong); and grandchildren Andreus J. Alejo (Virginia Beach, VA), Ainsley Alejo (Fairbanks, AK), Abigail Alejo (Reno, NV), Isabelle Alejo (Auburn, AL), and Penelope Alejo (Huntsville, AL). He was preceded in death by his beloved son Andreus B. Alejo, and by his parents Celso and Carolina Alejo. A humble, contemplative man, Fred embodied the power of stillness-leading not by command, but by quiet example. His work ethic was unmatched, his composure unbroken, and his presence alone inspired trust and direction. Those who knew him will remember a man of deep strength, thoughtful wisdom, and unshakable integrity. Outside of work, Fred's true passion was gardening. He cultivated lush rows of vegetables and a thriving orchard of fruit trees, often collecting clippings from plants he encountered on family trips. His green thumb and boundless curiosity turned his backyard into a living reflection of patience and care.
Fred was also an active member of the Filipino community, cherishing the fellowship and cultural ties that connected him to his heritage. Services A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Basham Lamont Funeral Care, 8601 Hall Road, Lamont, CA 93241. A committal service with full military honors will take place Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, CA 93203. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a tree be planted in memory of Wilfredo "Fred" Escorpiso Alejo, Sr. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilfredo, please visit our floral store.