Palo Alto High School custodian Juan Tejada, who retired a few months ago, died early Sunday morning at Stanford Hospital surrounded by his wife and four children.

Tejada, better known as Alfonso, suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome, a disease that prevents bone marrow from producing blood cells, according to assistant principal Chuck Merritt. Tejada contracted a separate infection that resulted in high fever and his body was unable to create enough blood cells to fight it.

Tejada worked as a custodian at Paly from 1994 until he retired in December 2004. Tejada’s wife, Carmen, works in the District’s Printing Office, according to Merritt. Tejada’s family held a memorial service on Wednesday, March 9. Friends have started a memorial fund to help pay for the expenses of the funeral.

"Alfonso was someone that both staff and students appreciated very much," Merritt said. "He is going to be greatly missed by all of us."

Tejada liked to talk to students and they enjoyed talking to him as well, according to co-worker Hok Ky, who began working full-time with Tejada in 1998. "I’m sorry that Alfonso had to leave us this soon," Ky said. "I was hoping he could enjoy his retirement."

Daniel Flores, a Paly senior, attended the memorial service on Wednesday. Flores was introduced to Tejada through a friend, and talked to him frequently, to get advice. "He was a good person with a good heart," Flores said. "I liked him."

Those who wish to contribute funds to Tejada’s family may send cash or check to Joan Scherer at JLS.