Alfonso Aleman Jr.

Alfonso Aleman, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandfather, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, December 6, 2007. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfonso Sr. & Adelaide, in-laws Joseph & Anne Molbert; brothers Miguel and Leonard Aleman; and his beloved niece, Elizabeth Ann Aleman. Al, a San Antonio native, was born on October 2, 1940. Al lived a full life of consuming passions that encompassed family, church, and community. A devout Catholic, Al attended St. Phillip of Jesus Catholic School, Central Catholic High School and St. Mary's University. Al was knighted by His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, as a Knight of St. Gregory, an honor given for outstanding service to the Catholic Church. As co-chairman of the Papal Visit banquet, he helped raise $100,000 toward the expense of the visit. To generate public interest for the Papal visit, Al, along with his brother Albert, purchased the grand champion steer at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition.The eldest of nine brothers, Al never forgot the neighborhood where he grew up alongside his brothers and stayed active in the southside community. Al began his business career at the age of 12, cleaning the rest rooms at his church. His first real job was Soap Box Derby assistant director and later served as director. He was also a weekend sportscaster for KSAT-TV. With no training or experience, he simply walked in, auditioned and was hired. In 1972, he earned the Sigma Delta Chi award for best sports story of the year. Along with his brother Albert, he owned and operated Aleman Food Service (AFS) where he served as president. AFS in its prime was a multi-million dollar company that offered full food, dining room, and delicatessen food services to the military. One of Al's proudest moments was when his family was presented the first Family of the Year award by the Family Services Association. This recognition is given to families who exemplify the traditional family values of unity, strength, and selflessness. Al tried to live these core values every day through affiliations with community-based organizations were he served on the board of directors, like: City Public Service (Trustee), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Chairman), Alamodome Advisory Committee, Catholic Youth Organization, Family Services Association of San Antonio, Santa Rosa Hospital, Incarnate Word College (Trustee), United Way, Incarnate Word High School Endowment Board, San Antonio Public Library (Trustee), Central Catholic High School, Target 90, Boy Scouts of America Board, and other numerous boards. Al is survived by his wife of 41 years Joanne Molbert Aleman; daughters & sons-in-law Lisa & Mike Costello, Tricia Aleman & Paul Hernandez, Angela & Steven Casias; grandchildren Isabella & Luis Morales and Gabriella Casias; grand-dogs, Maxx Hernandez and Lola Casias; sister-in-law Susan Molbert Aleman; great-aunt Josephine Aleman; brothers Albert (Martha), Lawrence (Beatrice), Adolph (Minerva), John Richard (Christina), James (Nancy), and Michael (Rose); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Aleman family would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Dr. Rowland Reyna for all the years of care, respect and friendship he shared with Al. We would also like to thank the Vitas Hospice Group for their care and support during this difficult time for our family, especially Walter Smith, LVN. Visitation will begin on Friday, December 7, at 5:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Angelus Chapel. Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, December 8, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Philip of Jesus Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Diabetes Institute/University Health System Foundation, 527 N. Leona, and San Antonio, Texas 78207. Condolences may be sent to the Aleman family at www.theangelusfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: The Angelus Funeral Home.