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BORN
1936
DIED
2022
Orlando Alvarez Obituary
June 21, 1936 - November 19, 2022
Miami Lakes, Florida - On November 19, 2022, loving husband, father and dedicated physician, Dr. Orlando L. Alvarez passed away peacefully in his sleep, he was 86.
He is survived by his wife and life partner of 59 years, Dr. Gladys V. Alvarez, and his children Orlando L. Alvarez, Jr. (Ned Medina) and Dr. Ariana B. Alvarez (Dr. Juan Restrepo) and his grandchildren, Sofia Restrepo and Andres Restrepo.
Born in Havana, Cuba in 1936, he graduated from Colegio de Belen in Cuba in 1955 and studied medicine at the University of Madrid where he met the love of his life, Gladys. They were married in 1963 and completed their residencies at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1973, they moved to Loch Lomond, Miami Lakes. They practiced medicine together for more than 28 years. With a passion for travel, they traveled the world, and visited a multitude of foreign destinations. He loved playing poker and frequented casinos all over the world. In retirement, Orlando was a dedicated, loving grandfather. He truly cherished time with his grandchildren, whether shuttling them to and from school and after school activities or teaching them about swimming or how to play poker. He was also generous, giving yearly donations to many worthy causes.
A memorial mass will be held on December 17th at 10:00am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 3716 Garden Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Orlando Alvarez
Miyuki
November 29, 2023
Tío, se que estás como ángel de la guarda para mi tía y mis primos. Te mando besos y abrazos de AZ a donde estés!
David Caveda
May 28, 2023
My condolences to Gladys, Ariana and Orlandito. Orlando was a wonderful friend/cousin to my uncle, Onelio "Pupy" Molina, who passed in 1982, and that friendship is worthy of remembrance. I am thankful to Orlando for being supportive when my grandmother passed in 1973 and again when Pupy passed. I am also thankful to Orlando for helping me get my first job at Parkway General in 1981. Congratulations on a life well-lived.
Miyuki
April 23, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Elisabeth & Tomas Garcia
December 17, 2022
It was an honor to attend Dr. Orlando Alvarez's service today. The sentiments and stories expressed by his son and daughter, and the many friends and family in attendance were so moving and reminded us of all the good times. We have many memories over the years we've known Orlando and are so lucky to have called him friend. May he rest in peace and may Gladys, the family, and all who knew him take comfort in his memory, spirit, and a life well lived.
Mauricio Medina Duran
December 17, 2022
Siempre permaneceras en nuestros recuerdos, pues solo han sido buenos, tu familia queda ese gran legado de tu amor hacia todos. Gladys fortaleza y solo ve a esos bellos momentos . Mauricio Medina y flia
Silvia Rivero
December 16, 2022
Dear Gladys , Ariana and Orlandito,
May Orlando rest in peace. I am very grateful for the amazing friendship our parents have shared for over 40 years. So many fond memories. One that always stands out for me and Carlos was that on our first official date, your dad was picking up my parents to go out to dinner and turned the car around to meet Carlos. They were the first to meet him 30 years ago. We will continue to be there for your mom and the two of you. Orlando will be greatly missed.
Love,
Silvita and The Rivero/Bautista Family
Yolanda
December 16, 2022
My dearest Padrino,
You were there for my birth
You were there for my baptism
You were at my wedding
You called me for every birthday! You were a righteous man!
You were a generous man
giving to charities without saying a word. Tio your actions are engraved in my heart . But, most of all, a wonderful husband, father and family man! If only the world had more men like you! I am blessed that you were my Godfather love you till eternity. I will see you again Tio in heaven.
Love you Yolandita
Manuel Porro-Vizcarra
December 15, 2022
Querido Tío:
Descansa en paz. Tuviste la suerte de viajar el mundo por muchos años más allá del tiempo en que te tocaba. Siempre te lo decía q tenías más vidas que un gato. Siempre admiré que contra viento y marea, seguías adelante disfrutando de la vida con Gladys, tus familiares y amigos. Full speed ahead, damned the insulin torpedoes. Tuve la suerte de disfrutar contigo en varios viajes y no importa el resultado, ya estabas planificando el otro. Me sorprendías con tus llamadas de tiempo en tiempo y te alegrabas cuando reconocía tu voz, como si fuese un milagro hacerlo. Disfruté mucho de tu compañía y te agradezco el cariño q siempre me profesaste a mí y a mi familia. En algún momento nos reuniremos todos para seguir celebrando. Dios te tenga en su Gloria tío.
Daniel and Diana Garcia
December 14, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Alvarez family. May Orlando rest in peace. I have wonderful childhood memories of big parties outside in the yard. Dr. Alvarez was always a welcoming and larger than life person among all the grown ups. I will always be grateful for when he and Gladys made sure my mom got the best care when she needed emergency surgery. I wish you all the best as you celebrate his long and meaningful life.
Tom Myers
December 13, 2022
To Orlando's family & friends -- I am so sad to hear of Orlando's passing. From the first time I met him he was always very warm and welcoming. Whenever we chatted I walked away from our conversation smiling. I hope you share in similar memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Isabel Garcia
December 13, 2022
Isabel Garcia
December 13, 2022
Isabel Garcia
December 13, 2022
My deepest condolences and sympathies to the Alvarez family. Dr. Alvarez will be dearly missed by all who knew him. So many wonderful and cherished memories of Orlando now swirl through my head. He was kind and caring, not only in his profession as a Doctor, but in his daily life as a son, husband, father, and grandfather. He held a deep love and devotion to his family, enjoyed a big circle of friends, and relished a zest for life. I´ll never forget his distinctive laughter, his fun and gregarious spirit, and his charm that always made him the life of any party.
Ariana and I grew up together and were each other´s second family. When we had sleepovers, Orlando never minded all the shrieking and laughter late at night, and he would let us jump into their bed after a race down the endless hall screaming ¿Se puede? when we got scared. I was always invited to countless family dinners, and I´ll never forget when he cooked and served my first "arroz y frijoles". His hearty laughter filled the room as I must have had a quizzical expression on my face explaining we ate potatoes at home. He would teach me Spanish and have me return the lessons with German, and we would giggle at our mispronunciations. I distinctly remember being inspired as Ariana and I sat in the back seat of his fabulous Jaguar as he would chauffeur us little ladies around thinking someday, I´ll have one too. Dr. Alvarez hired me for my first office job at the family practice where I´m sure I misfiled many patient records, only to have him smile and say it´s ok, the records couldn´t have gone far. The Alvarez family was part of my wedding in Germany where he danced the night away and the next day, proudly donned his Tiroler hat. He was so happy for me. I am lucky to have so many of these memories.
My heart is heavy and aches for Gladys, Ariana, Orlando Jr., Sofia, Andres, and the whole family. I look forward to celebrating his life, sharing more memories, and remembering all the stories of Dr. Orlando Alvarez.
All my love,
Isabel
Jill Rusin
December 11, 2022
Dearest Gladys, Ariana, Juan, Orlando and the whole Alvarez family- I was so very sorry to hear of your loss of beloved husband, beloved father, Orlando. I am thinking of all of you so often in this time of loss. Please know my thoughts are with you, and my heart always grateful for how much and how generously Orlando and your whole family have shared hospitality, laughs, love and good times.
To all who share in loss and memories of Dr. Alvarez- as an old friend of daughter Ariana, I have so many fond memories of Orlando Alvarez. Above all, I remember Dr. Alvarez as warm, generous, a gracious and amicable host, ready with laughter, making sure everyone was having a good time. This was never difficult in the intelligent and spirited company of the Alvarez family. Orlando´s example of how to enjoy and live life to its fullest , both with hard work and festive celebration of good times has always meant a lot to me. For someone descended from more straight-laced Anglophones, Dr. Alvarez was an important tutor in warmth, generosity and the necessity of setting aside worry and thrift when the occasion called. Dr. Alvarez counselled by excellent example that if you were going to have an expensive meal (and, since Orlandito was choosing the restaurant, it was truly a very expensive meal!!) you had best truly and fully enjoy it, savouring every moment amongst family and friends. As the philosopher Aristotle would say, Orlando Alvarez was a man of practical wisdom, a phronimos. As an impressionable young person just setting out in life, I saw clearly how much Orlando valued and celebrated his wife Gladys, his son Orlando, and daughter, Ariana. And I enjoyed, by extension, the warmth and security of supportive family (and also by extension- some of those glorious, and gloriously expensive family meals!). Although I live too far away, even farther north now!, I´ve been so fortunate to be with the Alvarez family in celebrating daughter Ariana´s younger milestones-university and medical school graduation, honours banquets, Ariana and Juan´s wedding, the first (grand) baby shower. I always felt warmly included and supported by my far-away second family. I´ll always be grateful to Orlando and family for that. Above all, the laughter. I hope you are driving your Jag in Heaven, getting English curse words wrong, wearing that silly Austrian hat (my sister- "who´s that German guy?"), drinking fine champagne, winning all the poker hands, as I know you are still lovingly watching over beloved family. Cheers, and much love - Jill
Jill Rusin
December 11, 2022
Dearest Gladys, Ariana, Juan, Orlando and the whole Alvarez family- I was so very sorry to hear of your loss of beloved husband, beloved father, Orlando. I am thinking of all of you so often in this time of loss. Please know my thoughts are with you, and my heart always grateful for how much and how generously Orlando and your whole family have shared hospitality, laughs, love and good times.
To all who share in loss and memories of Dr. Alvarez- as an old friend of daughter Ariana, I have so many fond memories of Orlando Alvarez. Above all, I remember Dr. Alvarez as warm, generous, a gracious and amicable host, ready with laughter, making sure everyone was having a good time. This was never difficult in the intelligent and spirited company of the Alvarez family. Orlando´s example of how to enjoy and live life to its fullest , both with hard work and festive celebration of good times has always meant a lot to me. For someone descended from more straight-laced Anglophones, Dr. Alvarez was an important tutor in warmth, generosity and the necessity of setting aside worry and thrift when the occasion called. Dr. Alvarez counselled by excellent example that if you were going to have an expensive meal (and, since Orlandito was choosing the restaurant, it was truly a very expensive meal!!) you had best truly and fully enjoy it, savouring every moment amongst family and friends. As the philosopher Aristotle would say, Orlando Alvarez was a man of practical wisdom, a phronimos. As an impressionable young person just setting out in life, I saw clearly how much Orlando valued and celebrated his wife Gladys, his son Orlando, and daughter, Ariana. And I enjoyed, by extension, the warmth and security of supportive family (and also by extension- some of those glorious, and gloriously expensive family meals!). Although I live too far away, even farther north now!, I´ve been so fortunate to be with the Alvarez family in celebrating daughter Ariana´s younger milestones-university and medical school graduation, honours banquets, Ariana and Juan´s wedding, the first (grand) baby shower. I always felt warmly included and supported by my far-away second family. I´ll always be grateful to Orlando and family for that. Above all, the laughter. I hope you are driving your Jag in Heaven, getting English curse words wrong, wearing that silly Austrian hat (my sister- "who´s that German guy?"), drinking fine champagne, winning all the poker hands, as I know you are still lovingly watching over beloved family. Cheers, and so much love - Jill
Hugo Lopez
December 10, 2022
Dear Gladys, Orlando and Ari,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful father and husband. I have not seen him in decades. What I remember most is how much he loved his work and his family. He worked hard but also made time to play hard and enjoy the fruits of his hard work. He was a kind and funny guy who put up with Ariana´s silly and embarrassing friends (speaking for myself). We were very loud and annoying. Thanks for always having your home open to me and being so welcoming.
You were all so lucky to have each for so many years. It´s a rare and beautiful thing indeed.
Sending you all love and peace as you navigate the holidays and this new reality. Los quiero mucho!
Hugo Lopez
Carola
December 8, 2022
Querida Gladys no quiero dejar de pasar el momento hoy de enviarte un fuerte abrazo al enterarme del fallecimiento de Orlando a través de Ariana. Tengo especiales recuerdos de todos ustedes de la época de UPenn con Ariana. Ya espero poder acompañarlos a todos en la misa el día 17. Besitos. Carola
Familias Escobar Restrepo, Escobar Ramírez, Bianco Escobar.
December 8, 2022
Queridos Gladys, Ariana, Orlando, Juan Carlos, Sofia y Andrés:
Lo sentimos mucho; que Dios los llene de fortaleza y que encuentren en Él refugio y tranquilidad.
Tenemos muy lindos recuerdos de Orlando, siempre risueño y muy amable. Les mandamos un abrazo lleno de cariño.
Melissa Fields Crothers
December 7, 2022
So sorry to hear of this loss for the Alvarez family! I have such fond memories from growing up Miami Lakes hanging out at the Alvarez house-he always made me laugh! Sending love to all of you
Lainy Ross
December 7, 2022
Sending all of my love to you all, Sof especially. I love and appreciate you so much and am so sorry for your loss. With all of my love, Lainy
Michelle Jerusalem Cole
December 7, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about this loss for the Alvarez family. He truly had a wonderful life. May he rest in peace. I hope Gladys and the rest of the family are doing okay. Thinking of you! xoxo, Michelle
Familia López Martinez
December 6, 2022
Queridos Ariana, Gladys, Juan, Orlando, Sofia and Andres: Lamentamos mucho la partida de Orlando. Un hombre extraordinario de quien tenemos los mejores recuerdos. Les enviamos un fuerte abrazo y que Dios les de fortaleza y consuelo en este difícil momento.
Elena, Juliana, Cristina y César.
Gigi Garcia
December 6, 2022
How many beautiful memories I have of Orlando! I consider myself very blessed to have known him and have him as a great friend and doctor for many years. My dad Porfirio Fuentes went to Belen with Orlando in Cuba and they were great friends for almost 70 years. In high school I met Ariana and without knowing that our parents were friends, we became very good friends and have continued our friendship for more than 40 years. And now our children are like cousins! Orlando always loved playing poker with the kids and hanging out with them, especially during Christmas and holidays. We are going to miss you dear Orlando but we know that you are resting in peace with Our Lord. Gladys, Ari, Orly, Juan Carlos, Sofia and Andres, our deepest condolences. You are in our prayers!
With lots of love,
Gigi, Ray, Kristina, Caro y Porfirio
Gigi Garcia
December 6, 2022
Cuántas memorias lindas tengo de Orlando! Me considero muy bendecida haberlo conocido a él y tenerlo como gran amigo y doctor por muchos años. Mi papá Porfirio Fuentes fue al Colegio de Belen con Orlando y ellos fueron gran amigos por casi 70 años. En high school yo conocí a Ariana y sin saber que nuestros padres eran amigos, nos hicimos muy buenas amigas y hemos seguido nuestra amistad más de 40 años. Y ahora nuestros hijos son como primos! Orlando siempre le encantaba jugar póker con los muchachos y compartir con ellos, especialmente durante la Navidad y días de fiesta. Te vamos a extrañar mucho querido Orlando pero sabemos que estás descansando en paz con Nuestro Señor. Gladys, Ari, Orly, Juan Carlos, Sofia y Andres, nuestro más sentido pésame. Están en nuestras oraciones!
Con mucho amor,
Gigi, Ray, Kristina, Caro, y Porfirio
Claudia Vizcarra
December 6, 2022
Our family was so saddened to hear of the passing of Tío Orlando - we remember him con mucho cariño. He lived life as a dedicated physician, a loving husband, father, grandfather and Tío, and as an all- around good human being. We send our deep condolences to Tía Gladys y familia, we love you dearly. Los Vizcarra Corral desde Cuernavaca, Puebla, Querétaro y Los Angeles.
Jacqueline Caballero
December 6, 2022
Querida tía Gladys , queridos primos Orlando y Ariana, Sofía y Andrés.
Los abrazo desde el fondo de mi corazón recordando con mucho cariño a mi tío Orlando. Su bondad, su cariño, su compromiso y amor a su familia y a su profesión.
Llevo su recuerdo con gran cariño.
Los amo siempre.
Vilma Arguedas
December 6, 2022
Mis condolencias para la familia. Él fue muy especial para mi en mi vida con la cual pasé muchos momentos con él y su familia. Que el señor les de fuerza. Vuela alto amigo y brille para ti la luz. Siempre estarás en mi mente y en mi corazón. Descansa en Paz.
Gloria Caballero
December 6, 2022
Querida tía,
A pesar de la distancia siempre mi familia y yo nos sentimos muy cercanos al tío Orlando y así lo seguiremos recordando. Fue un ser de luz y nos sentimos dichosos de que nos haya dado tanto cariño a través de los años. Recuerda que él sigue contigo. QEPD
Mercedes Poire
December 6, 2022
Mi tío Orlando nos ofreció siempre cariño, calidez, una enorme sonrisa y muy buenos momentos. Nos hará falta siempre, pero estoy segura de que un ángel nos cuida y nos acompaña siempre. Tía, Ariana y Orlando, a pesar de la distancia siempre, siempre los tenemos presentes y nuestro corazón y oraciones están con ustedes. Luz y bendiciones. Yeyes
Sarah Smith
December 6, 2022
Thinking of all of you, Ariana, Gladys, Juan, Orlando, Sofia and Andres, and sending my love. I always loved hearing about Ariana's loving and vibrant family when we were in college, and it was a joy to later meet you all, especially at the event of Ariana and Juan's weeding. I will always remember the time we spent together with Orlando Sr and Gladys, and how warm and generous and welcoming you were. Orlando Sr had an immense love for family and friends which burst out of him with a joyful energy. I could feel his warmth, humor, love and pride in his family, and it was a joy to be welcomed into the fold. What an amazing life story and enormous impact he made in the world. May his memory always be a blessing. With love, Sarah
Rebecca Stone
December 6, 2022
I have not seen Orlando in about 45 years. Our families were close when we lived across the street in Miami Lakes. Even though our families lost touch, mine continuously spoke about the Alverez family and how amazing they are. Although I was only four when I saw Orlando last, I have vivid memories of the warm feeling I had when I would go across the street to visit them. I wish I had more time to spend spend with Orlando. He will be missed by many. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all.
The Weir Family
December 6, 2022
Ariana, Gladys, Juan, Orlando, Sofia and Andres:
Orlando was an amazing, fun, loving person to be around. He made every event more fun, every room more cheerful and now he makes the stars shine brighter. We are so fortunate to have had him touch our lives and will miss him dearly.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. May your memories and family give you strength during this difficult time.
Alice Fallmann
December 6, 2022
So,so sorry. I truly just thought about him 10 minutes ago. And now to hear from you. My love and condolences to you and your family . I always felt his kind heart when I saw him . And boy , did he love your kids !
Sherry Ferrante
December 6, 2022
I´ll never forget the Halloween trick or treating tradition in our neighborhood. Dr. Alvarez was always such a sport to dress up and join his grandchildren as we traveled up and down the streets with our kids as they went door to door collecting their sweet treats. He was as excited about the dressing up as the kids!
Caroline
December 6, 2022
I met Dr Alvarez when we went to stay in Miami for Spring Break. He was a wonderful person, so much life and enjoyment of life. I remember him cooking black beans and platanos for us - the first time I had ever had them, and they were delicious! He cared for us as we were friends of Ariana´s and even attended a wedding in Seattle! It was wonderful to spend time in the Utah mountains with both Dr Alvarezes´ when Sofia and Andres were small - they loved their grandfather! I treasure the last time I saw Dr Alvarez - on the veranda in Boca for dinner where he was in fine form and kept lively conversations going at the dinner table with his wife. It was a gift to know you and I will miss seeing you dearly. Caroline
Ramón Diago
December 5, 2022
Querida Gladys. Orlando siempre fue un GRAN amigo desde el colegio y después en vida adulta aquí en la Florida. Ustedes dos han sido grandes anfitriones en reuniones multitudinarias con nuestros compañeros en vuestra casa. Dios los bendiga a todos en la familia y en especial a el, que ya descansa en la CASA DEL SEÑOR!!!!! Te queremos mucho. Recibe un FUERTE BESO NUESTRO. Ramón Diago
Belén Curso. 1955
Omara
December 4, 2022
Recordando con mucho cariño al gran ser humano que fue Orlando. A nombre mio y de mi familia les mandamos un abrazo lleno de amor queridos primos. Pidiendole a Dios que les de mucha fortaleza y consuelo.
Reyes family
December 4, 2022
So sorry for your loss our hearts and prayers go to you and your family wr had the pleasure of knowing Orlando only for a short time but he touched us as he has so many other people. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace. all our love Elmer Heather Anita and Sophia
Mari Cruz
December 4, 2022
Con todo nuestro cariño desde España de toda la familia Sanchez Vera. Siempre le recordaremos. Un abrazo muy muy fuerte para vosotros. Os queremos mucho. DEP.
Vanessa Saipher
December 4, 2022
May your memories bring you comfort and joy. Please accept my deepest dearest condolences. Vanessa
Mikki Cantón, Esq.
December 4, 2022
A message to Orlando, Jr.
May God´s presence and the love of Ned, your family and dear friends comfort and soothe you during this very sad time. I pray that your father is resting peacefully in God´s loving arms.
Mikki Cantón
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