John Manuel Alcala

It is with great sorrow we are announcing the passing of John Alcala. John was born to Jesus and Maria Luisa Alcala, a farm working family living in the Earlimart and Delano area. His early life would find him working with his father, mother, brother and sisters trying to make money to help support the family and saving for college. He graduated from Delano High in 1963. He continued his education at the College of the Sequoias, a junior college in Visalia. He transferred to Humboldt State College in Arcata, where he finished his BA degree and completed his teaching credential in 1971. John started his teaching career at Earlimart Junior High for two years. In 1973, John started teaching at the high school level at Delano High. He taught US History and Government starting the Mock Trial program, which he would coach for 30 years. He enjoyed helping his mostly farm working students succeed in their studies at the high school and go on to college as he had done. John was also a successful coach. He coached football in the fall, wrestling in the winter and track and field in the spring. He would retire from teaching in 2009 completing 38 years in the education field. Growing up he enjoyed visiting his second mom (Angelina Vaca) at the J.D. Martin Ranch near Visalia. He enjoyed spending many summers having fun and working in the orange orchards. John would marry Barbara (Knutson) Alcala who was a teacher at the elementary level in Delano. Having not been blessed with children, they would spend many summers visiting Barbara's parents in Longmont, Colorado. They also enjoyed taking trips to the coast. John also had the opportunity to attend his college coach's reunion in Arcata at the college. John was preceded in death by his parents Jesus and Maria Luisa Alcala, his sister Francis Garza and his second mom Angelina Vaca. Viewing will be held 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will be held 8:30 AM Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Graveside services will be held privately. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

John Manuel Alcala

January 24, 1946 - May 7, 2026