Alfred Gutierrez, lovingly known to his family as “Popo”, passed away on November 6, 2020 in Houston, Texas at the age of 67. Alfred was born and raised in the Northside of Houston, Texas, the youngest son of Cecilio and Delfina Gutierrez.
Alfred was the proud Patriarch of his family. He was a loving and active participant in each of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s lives. He drove countless miles in his lifetime to attend just about every baseball, soccer, basketball and football game his grandchildren ever played. He was a fantastic cook who lovingly shared his barbeque brilliance with his son-in-law, Hector, and taught the art of deep frying perfect turkeys to former son-in-law, Jaime Astorga Sr. He was a long-time baseball coach of numerous young men and former President of Lindale Little League. Alfred’s love of music, dancing and spending time with friends led him to open G’zzz Ice House on Ella Boulevard. He spent every night at G’zzz surrounded by good friends, fantastic music, great food and those were some of the happiest times of his life.
Alfred was a life-long fan of the Houston Oilers, Texans, Rockets and Astros. On his behalf, his daughters wish the Texans could have brought him the joy of seeing his favorite team play in the Super Bowl. After a brief break from the team in 2019, he was back on board after the recent head coaching change he had wanted to see for years. During Alfred’s recent hospitalization, he found great joy in one more Astros post-season run.
Alfred was preceded in death by his parents, son Alfred Gutierrez Jr., siblings: Paul Gutierrez, John Gutierrez, and Elizabeth Camarillo. He is survived by his beloved daughters: Adrianna Gutierrez, Rosalinda Gutierrez, Monique De La Torre and husband Hector; Grandchildren: Jaime Alfred Astorga Jr., Jennifer Carrillo, Cecilia De La Torre, Andrew De La Torre, Victoria De La Torre, Adrian Gutierrez and Julian Gutierrez; Siblings: Mary Blanco, Cecilio Gutierrez, Janie Rodriguez, Delfina "Tootsie" Rangel; The mother of his children Linda Vargas and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
We will all miss Alfred’s smile, jokes, texts, phone calls, hugs, pep talks, Tarzan ringer, spontaneous visits, Flying Saucer pies, candy apples, Casa Garay soups, Sing-On boudin, Alamo tamales and menudo…every single gesture of love he bestowed on us all. We take comfort in knowing his body has been restored and he is reunited with his son, parents and siblings in the arms of our Lord.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the family requests that all attendees wear masks at all times (indoors and outdoors). There will be a 100 person limit at the socially distanced funeral services held at St. Patrick’s. For those who cannot attend services in person, you can view virtually by visiting the Funeraria Del Angel Crespo Navigation Facebook page.
The family will hold a celebration of Alfred’s life at a later date, when it is safer for everyone to gather and raise a glass to his memory.