Alfred Fuller

Alfred Cota Fuller was born in the border town of Nogales, Arizona/Sonora to Maria Luisa Cota and John Wesley Fuller on July 18, 1935. He attended Frank Reed Elementary School, a school for black students. He attended Nogales High School (graduating in 1955) where he lettered in football for three years and also played basketball and baseball to stay out of trouble.

After high school he attended Palo Verde College in Blythe, California for two years. There he also lettered in football and met many lifelong friends from the mining communities of Globe, Miami, and Superior Arizona.

Alfred was drafted in June 1958 and served two years in the U.S. Army and as he said, mostly as a “desk warrior“ at Fort Lewis, Washington. Much to his dismay, he was never awarded a purple heart for the various paper cuts he suffered as a clerk typist. After completing his army service and living off of unemployment for a few months, he enrolled at Arizona State College now known as Northern Arizona University. He received his B.S. in Education in 1965 and his Masters degree in both Spanish and History in 1967. In August of 1967, he was offered a teaching position in the Desert Sands Unified School District at Indio High School. He taught there for 38 years mostly as a teacher of “Spanish for Spanish speakers.” He was the founder and a longtime sponsor of MECHA. Alfred was a dedicated teacher and passionate about his profession and teaching his students about the value of higher education.

Alfred left this note for everyone to read… “Mi gente, after living longer than I expected, El Corrido de “El Fulerazo” aka Alfred Cota Fuller terminó à la edad de 90. (The Saga of Alfred Cota Fuller ended at the age of 90.) I did not go peacefully as my last request for a cold beer was not honored. Hopefully there will be a bar and a blackjack table wherever I land (upstairs or downstairs) so that my spirit will be at peace. Wherever I land, I know I will have plenty of friends there. Como dice la canción, Recuerdenme Bonito. Ajua!”

Alfred passed away at his home in Bermuda Dunes, California surrounded by loved ones on February 14, 2026.

Alfred is survived by his wife Elia, stepson Marcos Gentry, stepdaughters Elisa Gentry and Aimee Gentry, and stepdaughter Linda Camacho from his first marriage. His compadres Ray and Mary Rodriguez, his favorite blackjack dealer Marisa and her plebe. He is also survived by Cuñados Rudy and Martha Terrones, Richard and Margie Villanueva, Johnny Siquieros, Froylan Juarez, his nieces Gloria Romero, Raquel Westerman, and Julie Goss as well as many more nephews and nieces.

Alfred was predeceased by his father John, mother Maria Luisa, sister Alicia and his first wife Magdalena Navarro Fuller.

A memorial service is scheduled for March 18 at 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM for viewing/visitation at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Indio with the mass to follow from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM.

OLPH Catholic Church

82470 Bliss Ave

Indio, CA 92201

There will be a reception to follow at 1:00 PM and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Alfred‘s long life.

Reception location -

The Dune Room

82707 Miles AveIndio, CA 92201