Alfredo Montemayor

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Mr. Alfredo V. Montemayor, 77, peacefully passed away on Friday, August 27, 2010.

He graduated from Martin High School in 1950 and afterward began working at Kinney Shoe store in downtown Laredo. After working one year, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served from 1952 to 1956. He was stationed in Germany where he was a decoder with the intelligence division. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Occupational Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, he attended Laredo Junior College and received his Associate of Arts degree. He continued his studies at Texas A&I in Kingsville where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and three years later, he completed his Master of Science degree.

He began his teaching career at Urbahn Elementary School in 1959. Ten years later he became assistant principal at Christen Junior High School. After four years, he was promoted to principal of Central Elementary School (La Escuela Amarilla) which was replaced by J.C. Martin Elementary School. Eight years later, he was appointed principal at Ryan Elementary School. One year later, he was named interim principal at J.W. Nixon High School in preparation for proudly becoming the first principal of Cigarroa High School. Six years later he was named Assistant Superintendent of Schools under the leadership of Vidal M. Trevino for the last two years of his educational career. He was the last principal to win the Golden Apple Award. He proudly dedicated 32 years of service to the Laredo Independent School District.

He was an original charter member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul San Luis Rey Church Conference serving as its treasurer. The group's motto was "Let Us Go to the Poor." Their mission was to help families in need of financial and spiritual assistance. The group was also involved with the development of the Villa San Luis Rey Housing Project; Tanis Valdez Village; Father Kircher Apartments and Casa Trinidad in Zapata, Texas. In addition, he was involved with the Border Olympics for many years and served on the City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission.

"El Toro Grande", as he was known, was loved and admired by many. He influenced and inspired all who crossed his path whether it be a student, teacher, or parent. As an educator he strived for excellence, dedication and respect for all. From his Urbahn days to his Toro days, his enthusiasm and passion for his profession was evident.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Hortencia Montemayor, his parents Adrian and Delfina Montemayor, and his brothers Adrian and Javier Montemayor.

Mr. Montemayor is survived by his daughters Adriana (Juan) Mascorro, Sara Alicia Montemayor, Irasema (Jose) Perez, Jr., and Rosanna (Juan Gerardo) Arizola; as well as his son, Alfredo V. (Melanie) Montemayor. Also surviving him are his sisters, Delia Ayala, Magdalena Gunnoe, and Josie (Juan Jose) Perez; and sister-in-law Catalina Montemayor. He is further survived by his grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Michael Mascorro, Jose Perez, III, Enrique Rafael Perez, Krizia Hortencia Celeste Perez, Juan Gerardo Arizola, II, Selika Gabriela Arizola, Alfredo V. "Trey" Montemayor, III, Hayden M. Montemayor and many nieces and nephews.

The Montemayor family is deeply grateful to his longtime caregiver Maria Luisa "Licha" Ayala; his doctors: Dr. Adonis Zuniga-Goldwater, Dr. Joseph Camero, Dr. Monte Allen, Dr. Karen Yamaguchi and Dr. Benson Huang; and to the nurses at A-Touch Home Health.