LORENZO ALVAREZ Jr.

1923 - 2015

LORENZO ALVAREZ JR. McALLEN - Lorenzo Alvarez, Jr., 92, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at home in McAllen. Lorenzo was born January 18, 1923 in Roma, TX. He is the son of the late Lorenzo and the late Zenaida (Zuniga) Alvarez. He served in the Army during World War II from 5/20/1943 to 6/23/1945. He served as a rifleman and first scout in the 32nd Infantry Division, comprised of the highly acclaimed and regarded "Red Arrowmen". He came home fully decorated with numerous campaign ribbons, badges and medals, including two Purple Hearts and the coveted Bronze Star of Valor. Since the incorporation in 1982 of the Rio Grande Valley Memorial Post 8788, Mr. Alvarez served in several offices and led the post for many years as Post commander. He also later served as Commander of Texas District 18. His timeless efforts and dedication with Veterans Affairs alongside his comrades have helped bring many important services and benefits to deserving veterans of the Rio Grande Valley. He retired from the US Postal Service after more than 31 years of civil service. He along with his wife, continued their farming and devoted much of their time to ranching after his retirement. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife: Eva S. Alvarez; a son: Arturo Alfonso Alvarez; brothers and sisters: Abel Alvarez, Maria Alvarez Villegas, Josephina Alvarez, Roberto Alvarez, Alberto Alvarez, Vicenta Alvarez Gonzalez, Julia Alvarez Soza and Reymundo Alvarez. He is survived by six daughters: Alma A. (Ricardo) Rutledge of Austin, TX, Amelia A. (Jose†) Borrego of Edcouch, TX, Aminta A. (Guadalupe†) Barrera of Edcouch, TX, Anita A. Alaniz of Seabrook, TX, Alicia A. Alvarez of Edinburg, TX and Adelina A. Alvarez of McAllen, TX; one sister: Benilde Alvarez Peña; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesday, February 17, 2015 with a rosary being recited at 7:00 pm at Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. VFW Post 8788 will be standing guard and paying tribute to Commander Alvarez prior to the Holy Rosary on Tuesday. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:00 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Roma with Father Pablo Wilhelm officiating. Interment with full military honors conducted by VFW Post 8788 will follow at Roma Cemetery in Roma. Serving as pallbearers will be: Robert L. Rutledge, Arthur L. Rutledge, Audencio A. Alanis, Lorenzo A. Alanis, Arturo A. Alvarez and Ahmed Sheikh. Honorary pallbearers will be: Ricardo Rutledge, Dr. Audencio Alanis, Reymundo Alvarez, Jr., Roel S. Barrera, Dr. Mauricio Salinas, Rick Garza, Daniel Pena, Agustin Lopez; Veterans: CDR. Homer Gallegos, Oscar Vela, CDR. EG "Beto" Rodriguez, Raul Ramirez, Oscar Garza and J. Juan Peña. Jose M. Borrego† and Guadalupe G. Barrera† will be honorary pallbearers, in spirit. Many special thanks to Dr. Audencio Alanis, for always being there for our dear parents with counseling and guidance and also to Dr. Manuel Mercado, Dr. Ruben Abreu, Dr. Juan Guardia, Dr. Alvaro Restrepo; staff at Superior Home Health, Gentiva Home Hospice; Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Edinburg Regional Medical Center for all their generous efforts and care of our beloved Father. We would like to gratefully acknowledge Mr. Gustavo Cruz at the Veterans Clinic in McAllen, TX, as well as, Veterans of District 18 and VFW Post 8788, headed by Commander Homer Gallegos. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries