Obituary: Alfred Escalante Jr.

Alfred Escalante, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home on February 14, 2013. Al will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a devoted husband, a great friend and a valuable asset to the community. Born in Manteca, California on August 21, 1948 to his loving parents Alfred Sr. and Lucy Escalante, Al grew up the oldest of six children in Santa Ana, California. In 1975, he married his long time fiancee Gabrielle (Bella) Hendrikx, and the two relocated to Carson City. Al and Bella found their home away from home in Virginia City. Desiring to spend much of their time in this special place, they developed many lasting friendships and were instrumental in promoting the city's interests.

Upon moving to Carson City, Al worked in Sales and Human Resources for over 20 years. Al's personal reputation with all of his employers was, "Give this guy any kind of task, no matter how hard or how rotten, and he'll come through every time." From 1987 to the present, Al and Bella owned and operated Moonlighting Personnel Management Services. Over the years, they've built their business to where many employers depend on Moonlighting for supplying the best and most reliable personnel in the area.

Al was always actively involved in the community through a variety of organizations contributing his time and resources and making many friends along the way. His accomplishments include being a founding member of the Nevada Manufacturer's Association, a member of the Regional Planning Commission for Carson City, a member of the advisory committee for Western Nevada College. He also participated in the Focus 2000 Group and the Navy League. He was the charter president of the Sunset Rotary Club and the founder of the Northern Nevada Region of Packard's International. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service.

Al is survived by his wife, Bella, of Carson City; and his immediate family including his father, Alfred Escalante, Sr.; his brothers: Robert, David, Sandy, and Steve and their wives and children; and his sister, Cynthia and her husband and children, all from Southern California.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's in the Mountains Catholic Church in Virginia City on Tuesday February 26, 2013 at 11 a.m. A private burial will follow. The Escalante family thanks all of Al and Bella's Northern Nevada friends who helped make their lives here a wonderful, unforgettable adventure.