Oscar Guarderas

Feb 7, 2025

Oscar Sigifredo Guarderas, an Alaskan entrepreneur, passed away on Feb. 7, 2025, in Lima, Peru at the age of 93.

Oscar was born in 1931, in Sullana, Peru, the son of Luis and Rosa Guarderas. He grew up alongside twelve siblings. Oscar moved to California in 1959, with his then-wife, Irene E. Guarderas. In 1968, he moved to Anchorage, Alaska, which became his permanent home.

Oscar was the first member of the Guarderas family to come to the United States. He was instrumental in helping several family members and friends move to California and then Alaska. Oscar was a true pioneer, he impacted and paved the way for many lives.

Oscar started with The Pepsi-Cola Company in California, and they gave him his first opportunity in Alaska. Soon after started Big Boy Facility, a janitorial company that eventually employed over 250 people. In 1984, Oscar was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration as Entrepreneur of the Year.

Oscar was a champion of labor equity, advocating for the hiring of people from underrepresented communities while working for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in the early 2000s. He was also active in Alaska Republican politics and was a friend of many state leaders. Though he wore many hats, none mattered more than the love of family.

Oscar was preceded in death by his son, Oscar Guarderas Jr. (California). He is survived by his daughters, Bertha R. Gralheer (Lexington, KY), Sheila R. Guarderas (San Clemente, CA) and Margarita I. Rodriguez (Bakersfield, CA); daughter-in-law, Marina and Ray Marciano (Yuba City, CA); and brother, Eloy Guarderas. Oscar's legacy also includes three granddaughters, Lora Gralheer, Corrie Gralheer-Baker (Cody), and Miranda Alvarado; and three grandsons, Alex Guarderas, Joseph Marciano, and Nicholas Marciano. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Danny and Zoe Baker.

Prayers of intention will be said for Oscar at the 9 a.m. daily Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3900 Wisconsin St., Anchorage, on Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held at the cathedral's Lunney Center from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. that afternoon. To honor his wishes, Oscar will be buried next to his son, Oscar Jr., at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, California.