Alfred Marques Espindola, Jr., 81, passed away on June 11, 2025 in Salinas, California. He was born January 14, 1944 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the son of Alfred Marques Espindola and Thelma (Cabral) Laird-Roberts.

A native of Hawaii, Al was raised in his early years by his beloved Aunt and Grandmother. His father, an Army Veteran of WWII and the Korean War, provided an adventurous life upon leaving Hawaii and living at times in Indiana, Germany, Missouri and settling in California. Al started high school in Germany, continued in Missouri, and graduated from Madera High School in 1962, then on to Fresno City College.

Al and Shirley made their home in Salinas, California. After retiring from Lucent Technologies (AT&T) in 1998, he served the City of Salinas as a Commissioner, Recreation and Parks Division, and Committee member from 1998- 2020 as well as other community partners including the YMCA, the United Way of Monterey County, Ford Ord Reuse Authority (FORA). He was also Secretary/Treasurer for Local 9490 Communication Workers of America.

Like his beloved father, Al had a talent for playing almost any musical instrument and especially enjoyed family gatherings entertaining all with his Ukelele sing-a-longs. Al is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley A. (Neufeld) Espindola, his son, Mark A. Espindola, of Salinas; daughter, Michelle Bjarnson of Kentucky, his sister “Midge” Dorothy Blalock of Madera; and a host of cousins in Oahu, Maui, and Seattle, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Thelma, his Aunt, Dora Robello-Rosado of Maui and Uncle, Ernest Robello of Oahu; Grandmother (VoVo), Mary Medeiros Cabral of Oahu; and siblings, Mike Laird and Candy (Laird) Smith, of Madera, California.

Al’s spirit of Aloha will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and his keen sense of humor.

Condolences may be sent to the family at [email protected]. 

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson's Foundation by visiting: [email protected] or to the donors charity of choice.