Alejandro Munoz Apodaca, 69

Alejandro Munoz Apodaca, 69, passed away on May 11, 2005. Born on February 2, 1936, in Clint, TX, he moved to Fallbrook with his wife, Maria Elena, and daughter Maria de Los Angeles Apodaca in 1954. He came to Fallbrook in a Marine Corps transfer to NAD, where he served as a Blocker and Bracer Foreman for 20 years before retiring in 1990.

Mr. Apodaca served in the United States Marine Corps from October of 1954 to November of 1960, during which he recorded countless achievements and received commendation awards including certificates of appreciation for deeds far and beyond the call of duty. He was commended for his superb leadership in training.

He and Maria raised their four grandchildren. In addition to serving in the US Army Reserves until 1981, throughout his life he wore many hats, at times holding down two fulltime jobs to provide for his family, his number one priority.

Mr. Apodaca volunteered his time to coach softball with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County and served eight years with the Fallbrook High School Band Boosters, four of which as president of the organization. He was the driving force behind raising funds for all new uniforms for the band during his leadership time. At the time, Band Director Rebecca Cafferal acknowledged his salesmanship perfectly by saying, “Alex could sell ice cubes to the Eskimos if needed!” He was very dedicated to encouraging youngsters to enhance their education. When it came time for the newspaper drive, everyone in town seemed to recognize that little tan Dodge pickup dragging along with tons of newspaper for recycling.

He led by example and demonstrated that by going back to school and obtaining his associate’s degree in business from Palomar College. He was a world traveler and more often than not, took his grandchildren along to broaden their awareness of the world around them. He took them to 49 of the 50 states as well as to Spain, Australia and the Canadian Provinces. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Community.

His involvements in the community are not limited to the ones mentioned. He also served as a Senior Tutor in the Fallbrook Laubach Literacy ELC program.

In more recent years, although his medical ailments increased, he still put the needs of others first. Everywhere he went he was recognized and greeted with respect and affection. Even when he traveled abroad there were times he was recognized by a traveler with another group!

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maria Elena Apodaca; daughter Maria de Los Angeles Apodaca, Medford, OR; grandchildren Irma Betancourt of San Diego, CA, David Betancourt of Pomona, CA, Miguelangel Betancourt of San Francisco, CA, and Daniel Betancourt of El Cajon, CA; and great grandchildren Mitchell Alexander Betancourt, Georgie Anthony Betancourt, Bethany Elaine Betancourt, Gloria Marisol, Andrew Betancourt, and Mercedes Victoria Betancourt.

Mass was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2005, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fallbrook with Rev. Edward L. ‘Bud’ Kaicher officiating. Burial with military honors followed the service at Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary handled arrangements.