Alejandro "Alex" Chairez Armenta

Alex is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda “Lally” Coronel-Armenta, and his three children, Armando (and his wife, Lisa), Amada, and Selena (and her fiancé, José). A beloved Tata to Lucas, Logan, and Landon, Alex is also survived by three sisters (Rosa Lizardi and her husband Martín, Frances Terrazas and her husband Joaquín "Jack", and Margaret) and a brother (Tommy), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Alex was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita and Thomas, and siblings, Bertita and Tomasito.

Fondly known as “Taco”, a nickname that stuck after someone remarked on his appearance as a swaddled infant, Alex was born on November 28, 1947, in Mexicali. He was a talented athlete, playing baseball as a kid in Calexico and baseball, basketball, and football in high school. Alex attended Calexico High School and transferred to Central Union High School, where he graduated in 1965. He went to Imperial Valley College, and later San Jose State University, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

A man of great integrity, Alex had an illustrious and trailblazing public service career. He had the distinction of being one of the youngest chief probation officers in California, and among the first Latinos, when he was appointed County of Imperial Chief Probation Officer at 30 years old (1977-1990). He went on to be named City Manager of Calexico (1992-1996) and he taught criminal justice courses at the SDSU Calexico campus for over twenty years (1976-1996). During his career, Alex worked hard to diversify local government, encouraging Latinos to apply for key leadership positions and run for office throughout Imperial County. He also proudly served on various boards, including the El Centro Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. Alex left the Imperial Valley to become the City Manager of South El Monte (1997-1999), and later, the Deputy Commissioner for the Board of Parole Hearings (1999-2014), a job he enjoyed because it allowed him to travel throughout the state.

During his retirement years, Alex enjoyed cooking for his wife and in-laws, doting on his grandkids, and keeping in touch with friends and family. Alex loved traveling near and far with his wife, tailgating at San Diego Chargers games, and following the L.A. Lakers. A lifelong L.A. Dodgers fan and Tex-Mex music enthusiast, Alex delighted in sharing his opinion on all things with friends and family: his CD sales on eBay, his disapproval of Dave Roberts’ pitching strategies, his staunch political views, and his unique (and borderline annoying) ringtones. Above all, Alex will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his enormous heart. He was exceedingly generous, going out of his way to help family, friends, and even strangers, often without being asked. It was not unusual for Alex to chauffeur friends and family around town for hours or to surprise people with gifts or gestures he thought they’d appreciate.

Alex’s enduring legacies are his commitments to public service and to his children, who each graduated from college and have established careers. They are told that he bragged about them endlessly. He was very proud of them; they are very proud of him. Alex will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know him.