Ruben Joseph Alfaro

1935 - 2023

Ruben Joseph Alfaro, our beloved father, left this world on January 15, 2023. Born April 10, 1935 in Weslaco, Texas to Manuel Alfaro and Dolores Rios, his family migrated to Saginaw, Michigan. In 1953, he married Janie Garcia in Lansing, Michigan and started their family. Education, community and public service, and compassion for those in need were the tenets and values stressed by our parents and exemplified in their daily lives.

Ruben is survived by his son, Ted (Annette) Alfaro; daughters, Tonatzin (Apaxu) Alfaro Garcia Maiz, Cynthia (Larry) Fowler, and Lisa (Alvin) Davenport; ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. One of our father's greatest loves and source of happiness was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished the shared moments, talks and accomplishments of each over the last 50 years. Ruben is also survived by his brother Manuel Alfaro, Jr., numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins, as well as extended family in California, Indiana, and Texas. Ruben was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Guadalupe Rivera and brother Rogelio Alfaro.

Our father came from humble beginnings, was a fervent Catholic with a great work ethic and thirst for knowledge. He worked in the fields as a migrant, had an eighth-grade education and was a factory worker in the auto industry. In 1959, he went to barber school and then opened his own Barber shop near the capitol in Lansing. He registered as a lobbyist and began his lifelong advocacy on behalf of migrants for safe working, housing and health conditions. Ruben never saw lack of formal education or titles as a hindrance or limitation on his ability to assist or advocate on behalf of La Raza. He was actively involved in the Chicano Movement starting in the 1960's and worked with national leaders demanding equality and justice in employment and education from preschool to university level for the Chicano community. In the late 1960's, Ruben started the Michigan chapter of La Raza Unida Party. He also worked closely with Cesar Chavez for years, picketing and boycotting to bring attention to the farmworkers plight. In 1967, he led a 70-mile march from Saginaw to the capitol in Lansing to present the governor a declaration of grievances, he stated: "We march because we have no voice in Lansing, we march because migrant workers in Michigan and America are the forgotten people of this nation."

Ruben left barbering to become the Midwest Regional Coordinator for the Bishop's Catholic Conference, to facilitate the church's obligation to serve the needs of Chicanos and to develop leadership programs. Our father's influence in Michigan was not limited by his lack of education, but expanded because of his commitment to community service and advocacy. He was instrumental in starting, creating, organizing, building and sustaining the following in Michigan: el Comité Patriótico, the Cursillos, a weekly Spanish Radio program, a bilingual newspaper in Lansing and HASTA, a state-wide pinto (prisoner) project for Raza.

In 1972, Ruben left Michigan to join the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio, Texas as development director. In San Antonio, he continued his work with the Catholic Church and the Chicano community. He also opened Alfaro Travel, a family travel agency in San Antonio while simultaneously working at MACC. Our father left an indelible mark on Michigan and San Antonio, as well as Texas as a relentless leader, mentor and social justice warrior for La Raza.

In 1975 and 1977, Ruben obtained his Bachelor of Arts in business and his Master's degree, respectively. Education – formal and informal - was always an integral part of his life. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed making rosaries and recently took up drawing. He taught himself guitar and photography and shared those gifts with the community in a Mariachi group and as a photographer at community, familial and religious events. In retirement, Ruben was dedicated to supporting the priests and Ministry at Padua Place, San Antonio, Tx.

Our dad lived life to its fullest, he was dynamic and unfettered by societal boundaries which he believed should be challenged and removed if necessary. He was bold, imaginative, independent and when necessary confrontational. He will be greatly missed. As described in 1970, "he earned the respect of people from all walks of life in Michigan and in national life." Ruben was rich in spirit and generosity and led the way by example - advocating support of family and community by giving time, money or in-kind contributions. It was about sharing your wealth no matter what form and celebrating the gift of Life.

A private memorial service will be held for family only.

Always the consummate advocate for education and opportunity for La Raza, Ruben requested memorial contributions be made to the Mexican American Catholic College, 3115 W Ashby Pl, San Antonio, Texas 78228.

The family thanks all that honor our father with a memorial contribution.