Grandfather, longtime Claremont activist, devout Catholic

“‘A love affair that ran nearly three quarters of a century’ is perhaps the best way to describe the life and times of Alfonso Thomas Villanueva, who left us on December 31, 2025,” his family shared.

Born July 6, 1950 to Manuela “Nellie” Gutierrez Villanueva and Alfonso Villanueva Sr., his enduring love affair with his “querido barrio of Claramonte,” or “dear neighborhood of Claremont,” was evident to anyone whose life he touched.

He often described himself as “a poor kid from a poor section of town.” His father was in and out of prison when he was young, and his mother Nellie worked endless hours at multiple jobs to keep her family together while urging them always to aim higher.

He often referred to his mother, who died in 2024, as his hero and best friend. “He learned life’s hardest lessons early and would go on to become a hero to many others, including his siblings, his children, and countless young people he mentored,” his family said. “In her elder years, Al lovingly cared for his mother, honoring her with the same devotion she had shown him throughout his life.”

He attended Chaffey College, where he helped found the United Mexican American Students, then transferred to Stanford University in the fall of 1969. At Stanford he participated in an exchange program in Mexico City, an experience that offered not only academic enrichment but also a meaningful reconnection to his ancestral roots in Jesús del Monte, Guanajuato. During his stay, he fulfilled the manda, or command, his grandfather had made to the Virgen de Guadalupe, an act that became the foundation of his lifelong faith.

“Al walked a spiritual path that honored both tradition and heritage,” his family said. “While remaining a devout Catholic, he also followed a Native American path, embracing its teachings with humility and respect. These complementary traditions shaped his deep sense of compassion, justice, and responsibility to community.” A devoted Guadalupano, he was an active parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, where he served with the Knights of Columbus, was a lector, and participated in Kiwanis, forming lasting bonds with his church and service communities.

Professionally, he dedicated many years to the California Youth Authority, guiding young men who needed someone to believe in them and show them a path toward dignity, education, and productive lives.

A near lifelong resident of Claremont (later Upland) and its barrio, he was a tireless advocate for his neighborhood and its people. He was instrumental in the creation of El Barrio Park, which opened in 1972 and was one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1973, he founded and led the Árbol Verde Preservation Committee, a grassroots organization committed to protecting the barrio, advocating for thoughtful renovations, and opposing development that would harm the community. Through AVPC, he worked closely with the City of Claremont and Claremont McKenna College to preserve the history of the barrio and El Barrio Park. He also worked diligently to protect vital community institutions, including the historic Sacred Heart Chapel, Claremont’s first Catholic church, which was demolished in 1967. In later years, he devoted himself to bringing public art to the neighborhood, nearly completing efforts to secure funding and approval for a mural by renowned artist José Antonio Aguirre at El Barrio Park. “Though Al will not witness its unveiling, the mural will stand as his — and his beloved mother Nellie’s — final gift to the barrio,” his family said.

He married Janet Coyle in 1971. Though the union ended in divorce, he never remarried, and together they raised three children: Magdalena Serrato of Claremont, Alfonso “Tom” Villanueva of Claremont, and Ruben Villanueva of North Dakota. “Part of Al’s enduring legacy is his loving children, who reflect his values, resilience, and devotion to family,” his family said. “He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren — Gabriel, Andrew, Avery, Abbey, and Anthony Villanueva; Elijah Serrato; Ruben Serrato Jr.; and Reina Serrato — and a joyful great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren, who brought him special happiness in his later years. Known affectionately throughout his family, circle of friends, and the broader community as ‘Grandpa Al,’ he carried that title with pride, warmth, and an open heart.”

He took pride in being involved in his children’s lives as a Little League dad and a Scout leader, roles that reflected his lifelong commitment to guiding and supporting young people. He loved music, was a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan, and an avid amateur photographer, always capturing moments, people, and places that mattered to him.

He is survived by his brothers Ronnie Villanueva and Steven Villanueva.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Emilia Villanueva and Yolanda Villanueva.

“To his community, Al was more than an advocate — he was a presence,” his family said. “Friends remembered him as a passionate man who loved community, a guiding beacon in family and community, a bright light, an activist, a kind soul, and a genuine friend. Many said simply, Claremont is a better place because of Al, and Al left footprints on our hearts. One friend reflected that even when he felt compelled to speak plainly in the face of injustice, he did so with love in his heart. He was a man of the people, with a kindness this world deeply needs. Another shared that the heavens received a true warrior.

“Only recently, Al was still sharing his vision for future murals at El Barrio Park — full of spirit and possibility. That spirit remains alive in the work he began and the lives he touched.”

A viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, with a rosary at 6:30, at Todd’s Memorial Chapel, 570 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 435 N. Berkeley Ave., Claremont, CA 91711. A graveside service will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, 410 Sycamore Ave., Claremont, and a gathering in celebration of his life will take place afterward at Garner House, 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont.

His family offered these epitaphs:

“Descansa en paz, hijo del pueblo” (“rest in peace, son of the people”).

“A warrior and a kind soul who walked this earth seeking to do good at every turn. Your reunion with your mother and sisters is the just reward for a lifetime of love, service, and dedication.”