Alvin Gridiron

Alvin Gridiron was born November 16, 1946, to parents Justus Mason Gridiron and Serlina Gridiron in Los Angeles, CA. Both parents were deeply committed to their faith and his father served as the senior pastor of Mount Zion Church of God in Christ. His parents welcomed 10 children and Alvin was the sixth child and youngest son.

He attended 37th Street Elementary School and James A. Foshay Jr. High where he served as Student Body President. He graduated from Manual Arts High School where he sang in the glee club and served as the band Drum Major. Alvin walked through the world with the heart of an artist. In his youth, he wrote poetry and loved to take photographs, sometimes developing them in his own homemade darkroom.

At an early age, Alvin showed an aptitude for music and several “mothers” of the church prayed that he would be anointed with the gift to play piano. After only a year of instruction, he began to exceed the abilities of his teacher and went on to serve as an accomplished musician on the piano and organ at his church, various other churches and the Southern California State Youth Choir. He then became the Director of the Southern California Young Adult Choir and served for many years.

In 1968 he married Diane Burton and during their 22 years of marriage they welcomed three children, Tristina LaNay, Alvin Tyrone and Tiffany Michelle. As a father he valued imparting faith, the value of education and hard work and established an appreciation of the arts. He set high expectations for his children and encouraged them to strive for excellence. Alvin had a passion for travel and cuisine and shared these experiences with his children. He was an exquisite cook and he collected recipes in binders for special occasions. His children always enjoyed his gumbo, gazpacho soup, greens, hot water cornbread, and many other delicious dishes.

His eye for beauty and hospitality was evident in the way he would design and host Family Reunions, gatherings for his church, and at work. Time and time again he would labor over color combinations, the flow of the evening, the warmth in the space, and the ultimate experience he wanted guests to enjoy. Without exception, laughter, joy and love were shared by all, and people came away from his gatherings moved and impacted.

Alvin was a man of faith and devoted his time to his family and church. He served as Minister of Music and was later ordained as an Elder in the Church of God in Christ. He was one of the Charter members of Faith Center Ministries serving under Pastor Donald R.Gridiron Sr. There, he established and conducted the first Ministerial Class resulting in several Elders, Missionaries and Evangelists.

Alvin gave 32 years of service to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where he began working at the age of 18 and retired at the age of 50. Early retirement gave Alvin an opportunity to spend even more time with his family and to pursue his passion for fine cuisine and travel. He would take cruises whenever he could and invite family and friends to join him.

In 2007, after living his entire life in Southern California, Alvin moved to Indianapolis to be closer to his daughter Tina and grandchildren, Vivienne Michelle and Justin Taylor. Before long, his son Alvin Tyrone also moved to Indianapolis and his daughter Tiffany, lived only four hours away in Lansing, MI. Alvin could often spend time with his offspring doing his favorite thing…enjoying delicious meals together.

Alvin passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on November 4, 2025, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. Alvin was preceded in death by his mother, Serlina Gridiron and father Justus Mason Gridiron Sr., siblings, Justus Gridiron Jr., Lena M. Lindsay, Mary Louise Daniels (Duck), Donald Gridiron Sr., and twin sister Carolyn Floyd, and also, his only son, Alvin Tyrone Gridiron.

Alvin is survived by his daughters Tina and Tiffany, and grandchildren, Vivienne Michelle Smith and Justin Taylor Smith and siblings, Grant P. Gridiron (Minnieanne), Pauline Collins (Emanuel), B. Marie Herron, Christine Mitchell, and his sisters-in-laws, Marie and Gloria Gridiron, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Alvin will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of family, his passion for delicious food, his joy in traveling, and his amazing gatherings.

In accordance with Alvin’s wishes, there will be no formal service. The family welcomes messages of condolence at P.O. Box 36602, Indianapolis, IN 46236, and respectfully requests no flowers.