Mr. Max Alberto Pinedo lived 89 wonderful years, 18 September, 1933 to 7 March, 2023, living in two countries, speaking two languages and traveling the world. Growing up in Lima, Peru, he excelled in mathmatics and was able to attend an all boys Catholic boarding school where he became a devout Christian and prayed to St. Martin de Porres. In his 20s he proudly served as a cadet in the Peruvian Air Force. Later, he graduated college and was working as a civil engineer when he met his wife Gilda in a waterskiing club.

After they married and spent a few years in Lima, they moved to the United States where he earned a master's in engineering from University of Minnesota. There, their first daughter, Janette, was born. After graduation he moved the family to California to work in civil engineering. There they had two more children, Maxine and Alex. He never stopped learning or lost his fascination with flying and technology. Eventually, he worked for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as a project manager with a most notable contribution to the space shuttle landing in California in the 1980s and many material recovery missions from later shuttle missions. 

Professionaly, Max was very proud to be involved in the California Society of Professional Engineers (CSPE) and Toastmasters. Personally, he and Gilda raised their children Catholic, loved family vacations and spent all the holidays together. Max and Gilda were always athletic, playing tennis, skiing, and swimming, and he loved coaching his son in AYSO soccer. After moving to Laguna Niguel, CA, he became a member of Saddleback Church and admired Pastor Rick Warren. He also sporadically attended Latin Mass near the San Juan Capistrano Mission.

After retiring in 2001, he really enjoyed playing Bocce Ball with his group of guys, and attended many philanthropic events in the area with his wife. He also spent time traveling and enjoying his family that grew to 11 with sons- and daughter-in-law and 5 incredible grandchildren. He loved all his children and grandchildren, he attended every graduation, wedding and many of the grandchildren's running, swimming, soccer, basketball and martial arts events.

Although Parkinson’s made his final years very difficult, he stayed strong until God took him home. On his last day he sat outside on a lovely California day and let his grandsons entertain him with stories, a blessed moment we will always cherish. He is survived by his two brothers, Javier Pinedo and Lucho Pinedo in Peru; Gilda Elliott Pinedo; children: Dr. Janette Pinedo Carpenter, Maxine Pinedo Manz, Alex Pinedo, their spouses and all five grandchildren. He will be missed and forever in our hearts. Until we see you in heaven Papa, God Bless.

The family will be holding a small private service on April 8, 2023.

Family Photos