Alberto Pérez Orozco

Alberto Pérez Orozco died peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2022. He was born on August 7, 1929, in Dolores, Texas, a Cannel coal company owned town, north of Laredo, Texas. In his youth he danced with Los Matachines de La Santa Cruz de La Ladrillera, a tradition brought to Laredo, Texas from the mining families of Dolores, Texas

He attended Martin High School & Laredo Jr. College. He was the first in his family to complete college. He earned both his BA & MA in education at North Texas University in Denton.

He proudly served his country in the US Army during the Korean conflict, serving as a radio operator.

He was a teacher, principal & administrator, including teaching at Sacred Heart Elementary School (Catholic Diocese of Dallas) and schools in the Fort Worth & Dallas School Districts, and serving as principal at Sam Houston Elementary School in Oak Lawn & John F. Peeler Elementary School in Oak Cliff. He was one of the first Latino elementary school principals in DISD. He also served in Community Relations with the Dallas Independent School District

He was Deputy Director of the War on Poverty programs in Dallas. His last employment was as administrative assistant with the US Department of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.

He gave countless hours to his community as a member of the American GI Forum, SER Jobs for Progress & at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Understanding the importance of rallying the Hispanic vote, he and his wife organized and hosted the first “Viva Kennedy” meeting.

He loved to cook, sing, dance & sew. He made Christmas stockings for his two grandchildren every year for more than a decade. He could crochet, knit & embroider. He made the best arroz con pollo, danced an incredible jitterbug with his beloved Queta. He was self-taught in piano, guitar and accordion and filled our home with music. He had beautiful penmanship and his signature and handwriting looked like printed calligraphy.

He valued education & encouraged many to continue with their education. He taught English as a Second Language with different agencies for many years and worked to raise money for scholarships for economically disadvantaged students.

He will be remembered by so many as a kind, generous man with a big smile; Mr. O never met a stranger.

He is survived by his son Mark K Orozco (Lars Staberg), daughters Sylvia Orozco Joseph & Diana Orozco-Garrett (William L Garrett), his sisters Armandina Aldrete (Rolando), Maria Alma Salazar (Reynaldo), his grandchildren Mark R Garrett & Laura E Garrett of Santa Fe, NM.

Nephews: Rolando Aldrete, Mario Enrique Aldrete, Reymundo Salazar, Alberto González, Frank Gonzalez, Ira Justus. Nieces: Sor Martha Aldrete, Alma Leticia Castellanos, Mary De León, Sandra Jean Davis of Corpus Christi, TX, Susana Morales & Lucia Morales of Laredo, TX.

He preceded in death by his wife of 47 years Enriqueta Villafranca Gonzalez Orozco, Parents Manuel Escamilla Orozco & Dora Zamora Pérez. Siblings: his “angelitos” Roberto, Osvaldo, Concepción, María & Estela Orozco; Son-In-law William Joseph, Nephews Donato & Alberto Morales of Laredo,TX & Reynaldo Salazar; Niece Bettina Emberger Stokes.

The family is thankful for the 18 years of care given by Lizeth Hennig.

A visitation for Alberto will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home Chapel, with the rosary to begin at 6:00 PM. A mass of christian burial will held Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Calvary Hill Main Mausoleum North Chapel. A committal service will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, Texas 75220.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Orozco family.