Obituary of Alvin Paul Lujan

Alvin Paul Lujan, (age 80) unexpectedly passed away on the 4th of February after vigorously fighting in the ICU for over 50 days. He was on the road to recovery when he took an unexpected quick decline and suddenly passed away. Alvin was surrounded by a room full of loved ones, including all four daughters, grandchildren and many others that cared so deeply for him. This would have meant so much to him because anyone that knew him understood his love of family was second to none. 

Alvin was born in Denver, Co. on July 19, 1942 to William C. and Beatrice A. (Sanchez) Lujan. He grew up in with his 4 siblings, Ursula (Sievers), Charlotte (Martinez) William “Butch” Lujan and Judith (Salcedo). His childhood was spent assisting with the family grocery store, “Bill’s Grocery’s” located at approximately 35th and Downing St. where the very close knit family lived above the store and shared an abundance of memories together. He often said this experience is where he learned the love of family, the value of hard work, managing money, and the importance of being charitable to others. His father and mother, (Bill’s groceries)- the Lujan family, were known to reach out to those in need when hardships arose and they were well respected in the community and in the Catholic church throughout their lives.

Alvin attended parochial school at Annunciation where he excelled in his studies, played a variety of sports, and made lifetime dear friends. He left for the US Marine Corp. for 6 yrs. after high school during the Vietnam period and upon his return he began his career with the United States Post Office as a Special Delivery Messenger. Education was important to the Lujan family so he also took advantage of the GI Bill and obtained his business degree while working full time and helping to raise his family. During the 40+ year tenure in the Postal Service, Alvin excelled in many positions and ended his career as a Manager, Post Office Operations (Regional Manager). He was a company man who achieved numerous accolades and high level positions. Although he took great pride in his job, his greatest accomplishment was his willingness to mentor / his drive to assist the Latinos and underrepresented minorities that were seeking upward mobility. Al welcomed anyone that sought his knowledge but often sought out and encouraged Latinos and motivated them to seek higher level status within the postal service.  He took great pride in seeing others achieve their goals and continually served on committees, boards, etc. to work for fairness and equitability for all.

Concurrently with his postal career, Alvin started his own business as a Tax Preparer called “Tax Man on the Run” (Yes, this should tell you that he did have a sense of humor as well ). His business was very successful for over 30 years and he never referred to his clients in a business sense….They were Friends and Family and he cared deeply for all of them.  Much of his cliental base paid a visit once a year for over 20 years plus and he welcomed their visit with a smile and often a drink or dinner afterwards. Many people don’t know this but he also prepared many taxes free of charge for strangers in need and also for those that were just having a rough time. He was mobile and in his earlier years would even come to the elderly folks if they were unable to come to him. He was breath of fresh air for the tedious task of tax preparation and everyone knew he had the highest integrity and their best interest in mind.

Work life and the broader scope of life itself took up a lot of Al’s time but the pride and joy of his life was his loving wife Bertha, his 4 daughters: Susan (Sebastiani), Gina (Munoz), Adele (Teeters) and Bernadette Lujan, 2 sons: Emilio and Brandon Lujan (grandsons that he was instrumental in raising) and time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. He met Bertha when he was 24 years old. They married and were fortunate to enjoy 46 happy years together before his bride passed away. They had a happy and fulfilling life together.  They vacationed often, both enjoyed dancing, visiting “the hill” and more than anything they enjoyed their time with family and friends. Al wasn’t known to be as “social” as Bertha (smile). In fact he was rather quiet, but he loved everyone just as much and valued each and every person in their circle of friends and extended family. He loved people, he loved life and he loved his catholic faith.  

Dad we cannot put into words how much you will be missed. Know that you leave behind a legacy of lessons and memories. We love you and you will not be forgotten.

“Say not in grief : “He is no more’ But live in thankfulness that he was.” – Hebrew Proverb

Alvin was predeceased by his loving wife, Bertha (Montoya) Lujan, mother Beatrice (Sanchez) Lujan, father, William C. Lujan, Sisters: Ursula Sievers and Judith Salcedo and Brother, William “Butch” Lujan.

He is survived and dearly missed by his Sister: Charlotte Martinez, Sister In Law: Valerie (Vasquez) Lujan, and his children and their spouses, Susan (Scott) Sebastiani, Gina (Juan) Munoz of Brighton, CO, Adele (Tracy) Teeter of New Castle, CO and Bernadette Lujan of San Diego, CA.

He will be forever cherished and remembered by his Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren: (Susan’s Children)Antonio and Maximiliano Pacheco, Lorenzo and Mia Sebastiani, (Gina’s Children) Samantha Lujan, Alexander  and Nicholas Munoz, (Adele’s Children) Emilio Lujan, Trinity, Danielle and Alyssa Teeters, and (Bernadette’s Son) Brandon Lujan Great Grandchildren: Bryce Pacheco, Theodore Lefevre and Isaiah King Lujan. He loved his many nieces, nephews, cousins and his godson, (Chris Medina Sr) as well as his many friends and they will dearly miss him.

The family invites you to a Rosary and Mass on:

Thursday, February 16, 2023 at St. Cajeten’s Catholic Church. 299 Raleigh St. Denver, 80219

Rosary: 10:00-11:00 AM

Burial Mass: 11:00-12:00 PM

Lunch to follow at the Lower level of St. Cajeten’s Church. Please join us.

There will not be a funeral procession following the Mass. Alvin will be cremated and interred at Ft. Logan Cemetery with his wife Bertha’s ashes at a later date.