Alberto Francisco Gutierrez

Alberto Gutierrez, 88, died peacefully at his long time home in Dallas,Texas on April 1, 2014.

He was born on January 7, 1926 in Havana, Cuba to Francisco and Albertina (Bolivar) Gutierrez and was the eldest of three brothers. Alberto was educated by the Christian Brothers of La Salle and then graduated from the University of Havana as a civil engineer. He completed post graduate studies in Washington D.C. through a joint program between The Massachssetts Institute of Technology and the U.S. Geological Survey. Upon his return to Cuba, he married his one and only sweetheart, Maria Rosell, and started both a family and a successful engineering and construction firm. In 1960, after Fidel Castro took control of the Cuban government, Alberto, Maria and their four daughters fled Cuba and eventually settled in Dallas, Texas where their fifth daughter was born. Though his first years in a new country were extremely challenging Alberto achieved great success. He earned a masters degree from Southern Methodist University and confounded the engineering firm Gutierrez, Smouse, and Wilmut from which he retired at age 71.

Alberto was respected and loved by his family, friends, coworkers and all who crossed his path. He dedicated his life to leading by example, following the precepts of his deep Christian faith and his beloved Catholic Church. He received numerous awards in his profession while taking leadership positions in various charities and philanthropies. He always had time for others whether they were newly arrived Cuban exiles, young engineers in his firm, needy families whom he served through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or friends and acquaintances who were suffering physically, emotionally or spiritually. He will be remembered as an extraordinary man by all whose lives he touched.

Alberto is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Maria; by his five daughters: Maria Elena (Gus) Doskey, Cristina (Bill) Moore, Beatrice (Mike) Brady, Anna Maria Gutierrez, and Cecilia (Kip) Kernodle; his thirteen grandchildren; his brothers, Oscar and Sergio Gutierrez; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wants to express their love and gratitude to Leticia Matute and Elias Mambo who cared so compassionately and tirelessly for Alberto during the last few years as he suffered from Alzheimer's disease.

Services will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Rd., Dallas, TX 75220, on Friday, April 4, 2014. Rosary at 9:30 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 am

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Monica's Parish. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas, Texas 75225. To express online condolences, please visit www.sparkman-hillcrest.com