Alexander "Alex" Agpalo Ignacio

Alexander Agpalo Ignacio “Alex” 76 of Gulfport, MS passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020 while at Memorial Hospital. Alex was born in San Marcelino, Zambales, Philippines on May 9, 1943. After he finished school at St. Joseph’s School in Olongapo City, PI, he joined the US Navy. After serving in Vietnam, he came stateside to San Diego, California. He requested to be stationed at the SeaBee Base in Gulfport to be closer to his older brother, also a member of the US Navy. It was here that he met the love of his life, Beverly. They married in Gulfport in 1973. The military brought them to multiple places over the years such as Puerto Rico, Tennessee and Florida. When Alex went seaside, the Ignacio family began their permanent residence in Gulfport while he served on the USS America, USS Independence and USS Forrestal. Alex retired in 1990 after 23 years of service. While attending Pearl River Community College School of Barbering, Alex ran his own catering service. Upon graduating, he received his Barber/Stylist license. He worked at the NCBC Barber Shop until he decided to open Alex’s Barber Shop. His shop gained popularity by offering $5 haircuts. One of Alex’s many hobbies included riding his Harley where his motto was “Live to Ride and Ride to Eat.” He was a member of the Harley Owners Group where he held many board positions. Not to be one to sit idly, he was also a Past Master of the Masonic Blue Lodge in Orange Grove, part of the Joppa Shriner’s Motor Corp, a Tin Lizzy member, 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, a member of the Fil-Am, Am-Fil, AFIA, DAV and VFW and long-time parishioner of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. In his younger years, Alex enjoyed bowling and playing tennis. He also enjoyed a good game of Chess and dancing at Fil-Am parties. He had a love of traveling and took every opportunity to go home to the Philippines, ride his Harley around the country or visit family around the US. He loved to cook for family and friends but loved to eat even more. He never said no to dessert after dinner or to another cup of coffee. His favorite pastime however was spending time with family and friends. Alex is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Guadalupe Ignacio, and brothers Honorio Agpalo, Ephfinio Agpalo, Antonio Agpalo and Cesar Ignacio. Alex is survived by his wife Beverly; children Emily Clarite (Mark), Maria Gronowski (Geoffrey) and Cerelina Cumberland (Justin); grandchildren Brian, Sophia, Paislee, Ronan, Avery, Emery and Ethan; siblings Marc Ignacio, Roland Ignacio, Evangeline Mitra, Lerma Orpilla, Irning Ignacio and Nestor Ignacio; several in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. A family service was held, and Alex was laid to rest on Monday, April 27, 2020 at the Biloxi National Cemetery. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his time served as a Joppa Shriner, Alex requested donations be sent to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org. The family would like to say thank you to Deaconess Home Care, the staff, doctors and nurses at the Biloxi VA, the staff, doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport especially Dr. Tuli and the oncology team, Dr. Irwin and the 5th floor nurses and team. Thank you to all his loyal customers, friends and family that supported him over the years. You filled his days with stories, love and laughter. He enjoyed serving whether it was through the military, with organizations or within the community. He will now spend his time serving as our guardian angel. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road in Gulfport, is honored to serve this family.