by Peter Weinberger

For more than 75 years, Alfonso Villanueva Sr. shared an enduring love affair with his “querido barrio of Claramonte,” or “dear neighborhood of Claremont,” a devotion evident to all whose lives he touched.

Magdalena Serrato at her father Al Villanueva’s January 15 memorial service at Oak Park Cemetery.

Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribal Chief Tony Cerda recalled Al Villaneuva’s decades of support and friendship at the January 15 at Oak Park Cemetery.

Many spoke about the impact Al Villaneuva had on their lives at his January 15 memorial service at Oak Park Cemetery.

Villanueva was instrumental in the creation of El Barrio Park, which opened in 1972 and became one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1973, he founded and led the Arbol Verde Preservation Committee, a grassroots organization committed to protecting Claremont’s barrio.

He was laid to rest January 15 on a beautiful, sunny day at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont with about 150 family members and friends in attendance. Those who loved him most reflected on the lasting contributions he made to the Claremont community. Courier photos/Peter Weinberger