Ludovico Ballesteros Alhambra

Ludovico Ballesteros Alhambra, 77, also known to many as “Dino”, died peacefully, surrounded by family, in his Pensacola, FL home on May 11, 2015 after a valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. Dino is survived by his wife Lynn Sweetman; his children, Eva Secchiari of Las Vegas, NV, Leo Alhambra of Marysville, WA, Mary Chesnut of Gaylesville, AL, Michael Sweetman and Tiffany Sweetman of Penscola, FL; his eight grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Magdalena “Maggie” Alhambra, when she passed in 1999 in Pensacola, FL. Dino was a veteran of 31 years of service. He began his military career in 1958 and served his country in the US Navy in the Steward and Mess Specialist Ratings until his retirement with full honors in 1988. His 31 years of dedicated service included duty on an array of naval vessels, but it was his “Silent Service” as a Submariner that defined his naval career. After military retirement, Dino continued to dedicate himself to the Florida State Corrections Department as the Road Prison’s Food Service Manager and transitioned to the Corrections Academy and was promoted to Road Prison Corrections Officer until his retirement in 2000. Dino’s sense of service was boundless and never ending. He was an active member of numerous community and civic organizations such as Filipino-American Association; the United Pangasinan; Republican Executive Committee; Chairperson of the Black Republican Club and Chief of Staff of the Minority Coalition Club. As well as, his volunteer work at the Department of Veteran’s Administration will not be forgotten. Dino’s greatest of all his illustrious life accomplishments, was being bestowed the Honorary 33rd Degree as conferred by the Scottish Rite. It is an honorary degree bestowed on a member who has already received the Knight Commander of Court. Since his start 1983, Dino remained committed and devoted to the Masons. His Masonic journey included many positions including Past Master of the Ensley Masonic Lodge and District Deputy Grand Master of his District. His time was also provided as a member of the Masonic Memorial Team, the York Rite Bodys and the Zellica Grotto. Dino was kind and generous, and he always had time to answer a question no matter how small. His time was your time. He always sought out new faces in the crowd and ensured they felt welcome to the community. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Dino’s Vigil Service will be at Faith Chapel Funeral Home at 3:00pm Sunday May 17. Funeral will be at 11:00am Monday May 18 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Pensacola, FL. Dino will be buried at 12:30pm at Barrancas National Cemetary on Naval Air Station Pensacola where he will be placed beside his late wife, Magdalena. The funeral arrangements and vigil are being coordinated through Faith Chapel Funeral Homes, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, FL (850) 432-6146. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.fchs.com

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Ludovico Ballesteros Alhambra

February 24, 1938 - May 11, 2015