Fernando Saldana Alegria, age 62, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away on April 9, 2026.

He was born on January 6, 1964, in Jalisco, Mexico, to Siriaco Rivera Alegria and Alicia Saldana. Fernando dedicated many years of his life to his work at International Paper, where he took great pride in what he did and was well respected for his dedication and skill.

Fernando had a deep love for music, especially Mexican music, and could often be found dancing and enjoying life's simple pleasures. He was a man rich in culture, whose greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family. He cherished attending his grandchildren's baseball games, always arriving with food and drinks in hand, ready to support and bring smiles to everyone around him. Known for his reliability and generous spirit, Fernando was someone his family and friends could always count on.

He is lovingly survived by his sons, Rodolfo Isaac Alegria, Gilbert Quintanilla (Lety Aguilar), Rodolfo "Ralphie" Quintanilla, Arnoldo Saldana Jr.; his daughters, Suzanna (Brian) Zapfe and Elizabeth Saldana; as well as 28 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren who will continue to carry his memory forward. He is also survived by his brothers, Nicolas Alegria, Antonio Alegria (Christina Rodriguez), Javier Alegria (Erica Salgado), Rolando Alegria (Irma Rodriguez), and Raul Alegria; and his sisters, Blanca Lorena Alegria, Yolanda Alegria, and Linda Alegria Esquivel (Juan Manuel Esquivel).

Fernando was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yolanda Rodriguez Alegria, in July of 2018; his parents; his brother, Jose G. Alegria; his son, Renee Saldana Sr.; and his grandson, Xavier Saldana.

Fernando will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 9:30AM from Daleiden Mortuary to Our Lady of Good Counsel at 10:00AM; Fr. Andrew Mulcahey will officiate with interment at Spring Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at Daleiden Mortuary (220 North Lake Street Aurora, IL 60506 Phone: 630-631-5500).

Arrangements entrusted to Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora, Illinois – providing funeral and cremation services to Aurora, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Oswego, Batavia, Yorkville and surrounding communities.