Alhiser-Comer Mortuary

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Alhiser-Comer Mortuary Family owned and operated. FD:297

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is proud to be Escondido's oldest continually operated business. Originally opening in 1897. Frank G. Mr.

Alhiser-Comer Mortuary is a part of Escondido History as the city’s oldest continually operating business. With undertaking advertisements dating back to 1893, our early forefathers began a legacy of funeral service tradition and excellence and a spirit that continues on today. In the 1890’s, J.H. Sampson opened an undertaking parlor and livery in Escondido on Grand Avenue. He used a casson (or horse-drawn funeral carriage) to transport the deceased. The dignified trip to the cemetery was complete with top-hatted driver and a team of jet-black horses. Thompson bought Sampson out shortly after the turn of the century. And built a new parlor with rooms dedicated to undertaking on South Lime Street (now Broadway) and Iowa Street (now 3rd Ave). He operated the business under the name F.G. Thompson Funeral Director. Thompson and his family successfully ran the business until it was sold to Halleck ‘HAL’ F. Johnson from Riverside, who operated under the name Hal F. Johnson Funeral Director in the latter half of the 1920’s and under the name The Johnson Funeral Chapel in the 1930’s. Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Seale of Fullerton took over operations for a brief three-month period from March 1936 thru July 1936. They ran a few advertisements in the local paper under the name Johnson-Seale Mortuary. This is all we know about their abrupt entrance and departure. In July of 1936, a former Escondido resident returned to buy the parlor from the Seale family. Thus entered the now legendary name of C.B. Alhiser into the history of the mortuary. Clovis B. Alhiser and his wife operated under the name Alhiser Mortuary for twelve years until 1948, but the Alhiser name became a piece of Escondido History, still gracing our building today. In September 1948, Ralph L. Wilson of Long Beach purchased the mortuary and changed the name to Alhiser-Wilson Mortuary. The Wilson Family doubled the floorspace, created new parking by moving the home that was located on the corner of Broadway and Third to its current place in back of the mortuary. Sharon Disney (formerly Sharon Wilson) took charge of the business for many years and was very well known in the community. Sharon continued the tradition of family run funeral service and brought the mortuary to its full potential. In 1989, Bill Comer family purchased the mortuary. When Bill Comer retired, he sold the business to his son, Stuart Comer, who resides in Escondido. As a local resident, Mr. Comer is sensitive to the community and has a vested interest in its energy and vitality. Comer has extensively refurbished and updated the building. In 2000, the name was changed to Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, after 11 years of ownership by the Comer family. Stuart has maintained our forefather’s legacy of innovation, style, and commitment to serving our families with dignity and compassion. Stuart Comer opened Lakepointe Cremtatorium in Lake Elsinore, where licensed Alhiser-Comer Mortuary personnel perform all our cremations. The state of the art facility is clean and operated above and beyond the legal requirements of state regulations. All families are welcome to inspect our facilities or witness the cremation of their loved one in our special family area, complete with the comforts of home. This is in keeping with our tradition of handling each and every aspect of premiere service here by our staff.

George Michael RichardsonMay 11 1947 – October 14 2025“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Ps....
10/12/2026

George Michael Richardson

May 11 1947 – October 14 2025

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Ps. 116:5

In the early morning hours of October 14, Mike, devoted husband, father and man of faith was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ to enjoy his eternal rest after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Anne, of 46 years was by his side.

Mike was born in Lapanto, AR but he grew up in Chattanooga, TN where he attended school, graduating from Red Bank High School in 1966 where he played basketball and baseball. He had many friends and continued those friendships throughout his life.
In 1979, he pursued his dream of moving to sunny CA where he created, owned and operated a security business, MR Security, for many years. After retiring MR Security, he continued to work in the security industry with other companies as a consultant and mentor to younger officers. His professionalism, knowledge and work ethic were admired by all.

Mike was known for his consummate story-telling which he delivered with his slow Tennessee drawl. He had a legendary sense of humor and always enjoyed a good laugh. Mike had a love of life and people, possessing a kind and generous spirit which drew others to him. As a Southerner, he loved Southern cooking, NASCAR, a good BBQ and “chewing the fat” with family and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, George Thomas Richardson and Mary...

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Read the obituary of George Michael Richardson from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Orlando “Mike” Apodaca, a man of great wisdom, twisted humor, dee...
10/12/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Orlando “Mike” Apodaca, a man of great wisdom, twisted humor, deep faith, and loving spirit. Orlando was born on August 19th, 1940, and transitioned out of this life on October 5, 2026. Through his journey of 86 years, he touched many lives.

Amongst the many milestones of a well lived life Orlando marked two; one was the day he met Delia as the moment he fell in love. Over the 65 years of marriage, he would tell you that each day, he fell deeper in love with her. The second was February 2nd, 1976 at 1:45 A.M. at the Red Coach inn, where he looked in the mirror, met Jesus and fell in love for a second time.

Orlando’s legacy of humor, storytelling, acts of service and love for others will be carried forward by those who knew him.
Orlando youngest of 6 boys spent his early years in Frazer, Colorado with his bothers and father who worked as lumberjacks and coal miners. At the age of 18 he realized he had a choice to make, staying in Colorado amongst a nefarious crowd or leave. He chose a gang called the United States Marine Core, where he spent 4 years in El Toro, CA. He met, Delia the love of his life, at a dance during his enlistment. America’s got talent could not hold a candle to these two when they hit the dance floor! He then followed in his brother Fosters’ footsteps and became a certified union plumber, moving to Escondido with his young bride, where they raised their...

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Read the obituary of Orlando Apodaca from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Linda "Tilly" Weller was born on April 27, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents were very young when she was born, ...
10/12/2026

Linda "Tilly" Weller was born on April 27, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her parents were very young when she was born, and after their early divorce, Linda was raised primarily by her grandmother until the age of 13. That experience shaped the way she lived her life: with kindness, warmth, patience, and a deeply nurturing spirit that made everyone around her feel cared for.

Linda attended public schools in Maryland and later enrolled at the University of Maryland, where she met the love of her life, Gary, in the fall of 1968. They married in 1970 and soon began a life of adventure together as a Navy family. Their journey took them from Meridian, Mississippi, to Pensacola, Florida, then to Beeville, Texas, before they ultimately settled in San Diego, California.

Blessed with exceptional organizational and writing skills, Linda built a successful career as an executive secretary, earning the respect and admiration of those she worked with. But her greatest calling came with the birth of her daughters. Dana Lynn was born in 1978, followed by Bryn Anne in 1982. From that point forward, Linda devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family and to raising her children with love, guidance, and unwavering support.

Linda had a special gift with babies. Whether they were her own children, grandchildren, or the little ones of friends and family (and sometimes strangers), she had a remarkable ability to comfort and connect with them. It was no surprise that...

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Read the obituary of Linda Kay "Tilly" Weller from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Vito Di Natale, 88, passed away on October 4, 2026. Born and raised in Campobello di Licata, Sicily. Vito moved with his...
10/05/2026

Vito Di Natale, 88, passed away on October 4, 2026. Born and raised in Campobello di Licata, Sicily. Vito moved with his parents and siblings to Buffalo, New York, when he was 16 years old. There, he began building a life defined by hard work, family, friendship, and laughter.
In 1966, Vito married the love of his life, Giustina. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage, raising their family and creating a lifetime of memories. In 1978, Vito moved his family to California, where they continued their life together, surrounded by family and friends.
Vito was a barber for more than 70 years, a career he was incredibly proud of. His barber chair became a place where friendships were made, stories were shared, and laughter was never in short supply. Vito had a wonderful sense of humor and loved playing practical jokes. Making people laugh brought him genuine happiness.
He had a passion for bocce and loved playing cards, especially when he could be surrounded by family. Some of his favorite moments were spent gathered around a table, playing cards, telling stories, laughing, and enjoying the people he loved most.
Vito was also well known for his homemade limoncello. He took great pride in making it and was always happy to share it with anyone willing to give it a try.
Family meant everything to Vito. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Giustina; his children, Anthony and Jeannie Vaccaro (Joe); and his grandchildren, Agostino Vaccaro, Vito...

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Read the obituary of Vito Di Natale from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Memorial ServiceAlhiser-Comer Mortuary ChapelFriday, October 9, 20264:00PM - 8:00PM
10/02/2026

Memorial Service
Alhiser-Comer Mortuary Chapel
Friday, October 9, 2026
4:00PM - 8:00PM

Read the obituary of Anthony John Sepich, Jr. from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Helene L. ValentineApril 9, 1930 – September 25, 2026Helene L. Valentine, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-g...
10/02/2026

Helene L. Valentine
April 9, 1930 – September 25, 2026

Helene L. Valentine, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 25, 2026, at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, California. She was 96.

Helene was born on April 9, 1930, in Seattle, Washington, to Ella Metzler and Lester Roberts. She went on to graduate from the University of Washington with a degree in English, a love of words and learning that stayed with her all her life.

On July 25, 1953, she married Edward C. Valentine, and the two shared 65 years of marriage. Helene devoted herself to raising their family as a stay-at-home mom, and she later brought her warmth and patience to the classroom as a substitute teacher.

Helene had a great love of travel and explored the world with joy. The Australian reefs and the islands of Fiji held a special place in her heart, though she traveled the world with a sense of wonder.

Above all, Helene cherished her family. She is survived by her children, Edward C. Valentine and Susan Elizabeth Wray; her grandchildren, Debra Kelley, Christy Deal, Laura Emenaker, Edward S. Valentine, and Vickie DeBroy; and her great-grandchildren, Georgie, William, Teddy, Ali, Andy, and Bella. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward C. Valentine.

Helene will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and her love will live on in the family she held so close.

Read the obituary of Helene L. Valentine from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Ken Ng died in his home on September 4, 2026, of natural causes. He was 69. His personality, genuine and direct, served ...
10/01/2026

Ken Ng died in his home on September 4, 2026, of natural causes. He was 69. His personality, genuine and direct, served as a remarkable strength during Ken’s lifetime.

Ken was born November 5, 1956, in Hong Kong. At ten years old, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and four brothers. They quickly settled in Boise, Idaho. Ken, the fourth of five brothers, was the first to speak clear and fluent English. His English skills helped the family immensely when his parents later opened a restaurant, The Midway Lunch, in Caldwell, Idaho.

Ken was kind, bright and energetic. His heart for animals came through early. He bought a hunting dog when he was 14 and raised a litter of puppies. He later held a San Diego Zoo membership for over 35 years. He took many visitors there and spoke about the place as though it was part of his own backyard. Ken developed a lifelong appreciation for U.S. sports. As a boy, he and his brothers played football outside when the restaurant business was slow. But, Ken really took to track and lettered in it when he graduated from Caldwell’s Vallivue HighSchool in 1975. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a minor in mathematics from Oregon State University in 1979.

Ken worked for 36 years as a software engineer in the San Diego area at NCR (Teradata), Intel, and Sony. In 2015, he retired on his own terms and felt a sense of pride for having "never missed a paycheck." After retirement, Ken...

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Read the obituary of Ken Ng from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Maria Luisa Figueroa Orozco, age 85 of Escondido, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends...
09/29/2026

Maria Luisa Figueroa Orozco, age 85 of Escondido, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on September 19, 2026.
Born on June 21, 1941in Paredones, Michoacán, to Librado and Sara Figueroa, María Luisa lived a full and meaningful life. As a young girl she fell in love with our Lord Jesus Christ. As a teenager, she taught catechism.
Maria Luisa married Jose Orozco in 1962, and together they moved to Oceanside in 1963 and moved to San Pasqual Valley in 1966. Together, they built a warm, welcoming home and a beautiful life centered around family. As a dedicated homemaker, Maria Luisa poured her heart into nurturing her family, creating a haven of comfort, love, and endless care for everyone who crossed her threshold. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, and her quiet strength, gentle wisdom, unwavering support, and faith in God formed the foundation of her family's lives.
Beyond her devotion to her home, she found joy in gardening, crocheting, cooking, sewing, reading the Bible, praying the Rosary daily, and attending church. She was a familiar and beloved presence to all who knew her gentle spirit.She is survived by her loving her children, Marta, Josie, Mari, José, Mariano of Escondido and her adoring 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Librado and Sara, husband Jose, son Nico, and siblings Eliseo, Ruben, Manuel, Raquel, and Mercedes.

Read the obituary of Maria Luisa Orozco from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Mary Lu Sanfelippo, MD 82, of Escondido, California, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026.Mary was born in ...
09/28/2026

Mary Lu Sanfelippo, MD 82, of Escondido, California, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026.

Mary was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended Marquette University as an undergraduate with a graduate degree as a Doctor of Medicine. She suffered from childhood asthma, worsened by Milwaukee winters. This brought her to San Diego where she pursued further medical studies as intern and residency at both Scripps Mercy Hospital and the University of California, San Diego. She then served as a research fellow in the Stanford School of Medicine followed by further research studies at the University of California School of Medicine. Having experienced several years in academia, she found that clinical medicine was her life goal and she established aa Nephrology practice in North County, San Diego, treating patients with kidney failure, kidney transplant, hypertension and all manner of renal disease.
She met her husband during her years in academe, and they were married for 48 years until her death.

She is survived by her husband, John J. Lilley MD, and her brother, John Sanfelippo MD, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Mary was best known for her close relationship with her patients. Additionally, she was a respected colleague of the medical staff at Pomerado Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation that sponsors treatment and support for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Friends...

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Read the obituary of Mary L. Lilley (Sanfelippo) from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

09/26/2026

Read the obituary of Gloria Fay Malone from Escondido, CA. Leave your condolences and send flowers to the family to show you care.

Address

225 S Broadway
Escondido, CA
92025

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17607452162

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