Joseph Albert Alvarez

Commander Joseph Alvarez, U.S. Navy (Retired), passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, at the age of 83, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Joe was born on March 25, 1942, in Richmond, California, the son of Balbino Alvarez and Frances Berruezo Alvarez. A natural leader from a young age, he graduated with the Class of 1960 at Richmond High School, where he served as Senior Class President and was quarterback of RHS's football team. He went on to attend the University of California, Davis, earning a California teaching credential and a degree in Political Science and History in 1965. Soon after, he completed Officer Training School in 1966, beginning a 20-year career in the United States Navy.

A decorated Navy fighter pilot, Joe deployed to Vietnam with VF-154 Squadron, flying the F-4 Phantom II and completing over 150 combat missions. While deployed, he also served aboard the USS Ranger as Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer. His subsequent assignments included service on the USS Constellation and USS Kitty Hawk, before being stationed at what was then Miramar Naval Air Station, where he continued to serve in leadership roles in fighter squadrons as Administrative Officer and Operations Officer.
Following his military service, Joe embarked on a second aviation career and flew with SkyWest Airlines as Chief Pilot (San Diego), until his retirement in 2002.

In 1972, Joe married Doris Elizabeth Sánchez Carter, embracing family life with joy and devotion. He became the loving father of her three daughters-Kristin, Kimberly, and Kerry-and their family grew again with the birth of his son, Jeffrey. Joe took pride in each of his children and found great happiness in their accomplishments, families, and ventures.

Those who knew Joe remember him as kind, principled, and quietly humorous. He was beloved by family, friends, and colleagues alike, and his warmth and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the love he gave and the values he embodied: service, integrity, and devotion to others.

Joe is survived by his wife, Doris; his sister, Leonore Coffelt of Leon, Iowa; his children-Kristin Sánchez Carter of Poughkeepsie, NY; Kimberly (Christopher) Romine of Highlands Ranch, CO; Kerry (Philip) Ensberg of San Diego; and Jeffrey (Leslie) Alvarez of Poway-and his grandchildren Nicholas, Colin, Joshua, Alder, Joseph, Madeleine, Charlotte, and Lillian. He will also be fondly remembered by his extended family and many friends.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Michaels Church in Poway, California, followed by a service with full military honors at Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, on October 23. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or to the US Department of Veteran Affairs.