Robert Alvarado

Robert "Bobby" Frank Alvarado January 29, 1952 - November 27, 2013 Bobby passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 surrounded by many of his loved ones. Services will be held Friday, December 6, 2013 at St. Francis Catholic Church. Services include a rosary at 11:30 a.m. immediately followed by traditional Catholic services at 12:00 p.m. Burial services will follow at Hillcrest Mortuary. Bobby was born January 29, 1952 in Bakersfield, CA to Robert and Ramona Alvarado. Bobby attended Bakersfield High School where he excelled at baseball earning all-South Yosemite League baseball honors both his Junior and Senior years. Bobby was also a valuable member of the BHS Driller band as a talented trumpet player. He continued his education and athletic accomplishments at Bakersfield College. He lettered in baseball his freshman and sophomore years at Bakersfield College. He continued his education at San Jose State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1974. He married his high school sweetheart Valorie Armijo on November 18, 1972. He began his career in Information Technology with Contel and went on to work as the Technology Services Division Chief for the County of Kern until his passing. Bobby was a well-respected peer and mentor for many county employees. He always offered encouragement and support to his employees and colleagues. Bobby served on the Fairfax School Board for the past five years. He was admired as an advocate for the education of children in the Fairfax School District. Bobby so loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and God-children. He was a fantastic cook and enjoyed golfing, baseball, softball, camping, tailgating, and traveling to Boston, N.Y., Washington D.C., New Orleans, Florida, Catalina, and Morro Bay. He most enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas and spending time at the Four Queens with his favorite bartenders Nick, Eddie, David, Mike and 49er Mike. Bobby was a joy to be around and was deeply loved by those he called friends. He easily made friends everywhere he went. He was a gentle and loving soul and those who knew him were grateful for his presence in their lives. He was a giving man and always helped those in need. He was thoughtful, considerate, and hilarious to those who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Bobby is survived by his parents Robert and Ramona Alvarado, his wife of 41 years and love of his life Valorie Alvarado, his daughter Natalie and her husband Tom Garcia, his daughter Nicole and her husband Bryan Maraccini, his son Robert Jr. and his wife Kristin, and his son Ron and his wife Lisa. His grandchildren Elijah, Emily and Abigale Garcia, and Baileigh and Dominik Alvarado. He leaves behind his sisters, Dr. Audrey Alvarado and her partner Katie Loughary, Margaret (Peggi) and her husband George Alvarez, Sonya and her husband Frank Dorado, and also his mother and father in-law Ted and Petra Armijo. Bobby leaves many adoring aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, God-children and special friends including Nick and Norma Hernandez. The family would like to give a special thanks to Optimal Hospice for their exceptional care of Bobby and Mr. Coleman and the Fairfax School District for their loving support of Bobby and the Alvarado family. We will miss you daddy, rest with the angels. www.bakersfield.com/obits

This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.