Fr. Josephalfonso"Al" Muniz

Fr. Joseph Alfonso "Al" Muniz
3-29-1929 to 1-16-2015

Fr. Al was a man who loved God, people, music and food. He was born and raised in the La Jara area of the San Luis Valley in Colorado and graduated from La Jara High School in 1950. He Served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1954. He was a supply clerk in the Air Force. During his military service he studied judo and attained the rank of brown belt. He was on the base judo team which competed against judo teams from other bases. After discharge from military service, he stayed in California and pursued his passion for Country and Western music while working at various jobs.He performed in various nightclubs and television shows in California, Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, and New Mexico. He performed with such Country and Western luminaries as Johnny Cash, Web Pierce, Wanda Jackson, Carolina Cotton, Tom Tall, Dick Bills, and Glen Campbell. Incidentally, he and Country and Western music star, Del Reeves were friends in the Air Force. From 1957-1959, He was under contract with Sage and Sand Record Company and recorded six singles. His best-selling and known singles were Flip A Coin and Seven Come Eleven. He had displayed an aptitude for the religious life during his childhood. He finally answered God's call in his mid-thirties and entered seminary for delayed vocations for the Catholic priesthood. The Dehon Seminary in Great Barrington, Mass, was operated by the Priests of The Sacred Heart. He was ordained in September 1971. He worked at various parishes in Indiana and Texas. He volunteered for missionary work in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He was a missionary there for fourteen years. While there, he made a lasting impact by establishing the Help Yourself and I Will Help You foundation. The foundation assisted the poor in educational pursuits by helping to run a trade school for the poor and also provided financial assistance to the poor. Fr. Al returned to the United States and reported for duty at the Denver archdiocese. He was assigned to parishes in Longmont and Glenwood Springs. He continued to raise funds for his foundation in Guayaquil, Ecuador by singing at restaurants for donations. After his retirement, he devoted his live to raising funds to help the poor in Ecuador by singing in restaurants in the Northern Colorado area in such cities and towns as Longmont, Boulder, Lyons, Berthoud, and Niwot. As was his habit, he made many friends and acquaintances.

His struggles with cancer and diabetes came to an end January 16 of this year.

He is survived by nephews, Gary Gallegos, Denver, Colo; and Rodger (Beatrice) ; David (Charlotte) Muniz; Andrew Muniz, La Jara, Colo; Richard Muniz, Greeley. Colo and Gerald Muniz currently in U.S. military. Surviving nieces are: Sandra (Mark) Beiriger, Hooper, Colo; Niki Gallegos, Peoria, Illinois; Cindy Muniz, Arkansas; and Katie Muniz, La Jara, Colo. and Bryanne Gallegos. Also survived by sister-in-law Margaret Muniz, La Jara, Colo. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Sandalio and Emilia Muniz. Brothers Sandalio Jr. and Porfilio, and sisters Belinda Gallegos and Filomenia Muniz.

Fr. Al is now enjoying his heavenly reunion with them and probably looking forward to playing his music at heavenly concerts. Rest in peace and enjoy!

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