Alex B. Edillor

Alex Ballesteros Edillor, 68, passed away peacefully at home with his  family of natural causes on September 7, 2023 in Bakersfield, CA.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday September 23, 2023 at Olive Knolls Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers, please send cards and donations to Kathleen Edillor. Donations will be made in Alex’s name at a later date. Alex is survived by his wife Kathleen Edillor; their children: Crystal Alexander (m. David Alexander), James Edillor, Hannah “Lizette” Edillor (m. Mark Bruce), Schuyler Edillor (m. Michelle Edillor), Alexander “Sasha” Edillor; their grandchildren: Destiney Edillor, Daniel Alexander, Kymberlyn Edillor; and his sister Filomena Stillwagon. He is preceded by his parents Carmelo and Natividad Edillor.

Alex was born in the Philippines and came to the US as a child. He remembered passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and remained loyal to San Francisco sports teams all his life. He grew up in Delano, CA, graduating from Fremont Elementary and Delano High School. He attended UCLA, then worked at The Bakersfield Californian for 18 years, becoming a section editor. He liked to say that he and his wife Kathleen were “married in fever” the year they met. They were married for more than 38 years and raised five children together. Alex also worked as a sports official for 38 years, serving as an instructor, mentor, and president for the Kern County Officials Association and officiating in the Special Olympics. He originated and organized basketball leagues such as the Filipino Athletic League. He owned his own desktop publishing business, EyeCatcher Communications, and worked on several local political campaigns and projects. Alex became a substitute teacher later in life as he always enjoyed learning and passing on his knowledge. His Filipino heritage and community in Delano meant a great deal to him, and he worked hard to preserve and pass on the legacy of his elders, the manongs who led the grape workers strikes in Delano that helped launch a larger movement. He co-founded Philippine Weekend in 1975, was a charter member and president of the Filipino-American National Historical Society Delano Chapter, and was instrumental in opening Larry Itliong Park.  Alex loved his family and his community with all his heart.

Family would like to thank Adventist Health for his hospital care also thank you to Hoffmann Hospice for there kindness and outstand nurses.