Mr. Enrique V. Altamirano

Enrique “Henry” Altamirano, 90, of San Francisco, CA, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, November 29, 2014 at his home. Enrique was born July 15, 1924, in Ayutla, a small town in Jalisco, Mexico to Cruz and Maria (Viegas) Altamirano. At age 12, he was left an orphan, and in order to support his siblings, he forged the devoted work ethic for which he was well-known. Looking for a better way of life, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 21 in 1945, with only the clothes on his back (a fancy suit and uncomfortable dress shoes) and a blanket to keep warm. His humble nature and unyielding drive to succeed led him to multiple types of employment. Enrique was a talented and creative craftsman. As a member of Local 22 Union Carpenters for 58 years, the works of his hands have forever shaped the San Francisco skyline. Despite his meager beginning, he built quite the empire with real estate investments and renovations. He never officially retired. Enrique was a gentle prince and a fighter. Enrique came to San Francisco in 1951, where he met his beloved Amalia (Medina) Altamirano. They married on May 20, 1961, and their 53 years of matrimony continues to yield abundant fruit. Enrique "Lito" is a true patriarch, survived by his loving wife Amalia, seven children - son Enrique (former wife Monique) Altamirano, daughter Leticia (Lou) Mendoza, daughter Graciela (Rich) Martinez, daughter Amalia (Robert) Rexroat, son Reymundo (Annette) Altamirano, son Edilberto (Sara) Altamirano, “aka-adopted” son Rafael “Maestro” Figueroa, seventeen grandchildren (Ricky, Monique, Victor, Veronica, Vanessa, Richie, Kaitlin, Shawn, Christopher, Zachary, Samuel, Gianna, Faustina, Antonia, Joaquin, Edward, and Emma), one great-granddaughter (Piper), his sister Ramona of Jalisco, Mexico, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, “adoptive” parents Roy & Alice Neil, brother Jose, brother Ilario, sister Cristina, sister Victoria, and beloved son Carlos Altamirano. Lito was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He enjoyed telling stories, creating unique inventions, and picking winning lotto numbers. Lito is remembered for his love of family and celebrating the gift of life with unceasing gratitude, even in his later years amidst severe physical suffering. Our beloved Lito is peacefully at rest in his Father’s arms. His beautiful spirit fills us with his joy for life. Hold him close, and forever dance to the song of his heart. Long live the Beauty that comes down and through and onto all of us! “You have to be yourself. Open your mind to all possibilities of life, and have no attachments to anyone or anything but God.” - Lito

Mr. Enrique V. Altamirano

July 15, 1924 - November 29, 2014