Joseph Earl Alvord

1988 - 2016

Alvord, Joseph Earl

Joseph Earl Alvord, 27, of Locke, died May 27, 2016 in Butler, PA, of an accidental overdose after a heroic battle with heroin addiction. He was born September 19, 1988 in Ithaca, NY, and was an honors graduate from Moravia High School, and had attended Cayuga Community College. Joe had worked with the family owned D&D's One Stop in Locke, and afterwards for Borg Warner, and most recently at George Jr. Republic. Joe was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Alvord. He is survived by his mother, Catherine (Fleming) Alvord; brothers, Jeffrey Alvord and Richard (Shannon) Alvord; sister, Melissa Alvord; niece, Mikayla Alvord; nephew, Brandon McClendon; grandparents, uncles, aunts, many cousins; dear friends he considered family; plus his dog Marlo. Addiction may have been the illness that took him, but never the essence of who he was. He had a quick wit, kind heart, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was always willing to help others. He loved sports and watched baseball (Philadelphia Phillies), football (New Orleans Saints), and basketball (Syracuse Orange). He was able to describe all his favorite player's unique abilities. The reality of Joe's death is devastating, and no possible reason can justify the loss of this wonderful young man, who had so much to give to the world. Wherever he went, people instantly liked him. As those who struggle with addiction know, it is merciless and a daily fight - hour by hour, as it is ever constant. As his family and friends all try to wrap their heads around how this disease pulls their loved ones back in, Joe succumbed to it - but not without a valiant battle in fighting this disease. If you have any loved ones struggling with addiction, do everything possible to be supportive, guide them towards rehabilitation, and stand by them throughout their road to recovery. Calling hours will be held Friday, June 3, from 5 to 7 pm, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Ave., Groton.