I have a dream about my brother yesterday.. Ruben was a good friend of mine whenever we would get together. Cheveré was his home. I'll miss him dearly. 

Ruben was one of the best bandmates I've ever had; Talented, funny, always smiling and lightening up the mood at rehearsal and a total blast on stage, just a great guy to be around. 

God bless him truly as I'm sure he's involved in some heavenly percussion right about now. 

And may God and the memory of Ruben keep you, Susan, and family strong during this tough time. 

With Sympathy,

Michael Brandmeier

Ruben,
Roger and I will miss you.  Thank you for your final beautiful service full of God's love.  What a testimony to leave to your friends, family, and students.  May the Lord give your family joy and peace, in the knowledge that you are with your Heavenly Father.
Love,
Roger and Sue Heiss
Tone Zone Recording


Ruben, you've known me since 1971 and I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing you and experiencing all your arts in music growing up. For the most part, I am privileged to watch you play in St Charles at Eden on the River... out last encounter. The Joe Estrada family will see ya when we get there to reunite. I love ya "uncle Ruben."

Dear Alvarez Family,
We send condolences at the passing of your beloved Ruben Alvarez. As the music world bids adieu to a great percussionist, I fondly recall Ruben and Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra's world  premiere of my African hand drum concerto titled "African Hands." Ruben's dazzling performance garnered a standing ovation and many curtain calls. He and I visited Seattle schools and spoke about what it means to be a percussionist, and composer. He was a warm, natural teacher. 
We worked together at Ravinia Festival. Ruben shared his inimitable musicianship on and offstage, touching many lives. We pray that Ruben's memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him. 
Peace--Regina Harris Baiocchi & Greg Baiocchi

My Sincerest Condolences to the Family. Ruben's light will forever shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved hm.

Ruben was the Prince of Percussion!  

   It was an honor to have him as part of Johnny and the Leisure Suits in our live performances and recordings! Looking back at him during our live shows and seeing that smiling face with those sticks flying all over the place always made me smile!


Peace and love,
Jonathon Brandmeier/JOHNNY B.


Ruben I haven't seen you in over 40 years but I have fond memories of you and the rest of the group sitting on the Kinney's porch during the summer. You stood up in my wedding along with Joe Burke and Jack Kinney. Thank you for being a friend.  My condolences to your family. 


Today we mourn the passing of Ruben Alvarez, Latin jazz artist, master percussionist, and educator.

As a founding member of the Jazz Education Network, Ruben was with us from the beginning (2008), serving on the Steering Committee and first Board of Directors. He continued to serve loyally on the Board for a total of 7 years. JEN's LeJENd of Latin Jazz award and late-night Latin jazz jams at the conference are a credit to brother Ruben's work. 

We will always remember his passion for sharing the music by teaching and mentoring students. Ruben made the world better as soon as he walked in the room and spread love everywhere he went. His spirit is alive in all of those he has inspired. 

The JEN family sends love, healing and light to the family and friends of Ruben Alvarez.

In brother Ruben’s memory we are making a donation to the Mexican American legal 
defense and education fund.  Ruben took joy in helping others. We love you and miss you already, dear Ruben.  

Thanks Rubén for tapping into our collective love for music and enlightening our feel for this the greatest of human connections.

Susan and the Alvarez/Frost families,

Sending prayers and condolences to surround and strengthen you through this difficult time. 

Ruben Alvarez was one of my first musical heroes. He was so generous in sharing his love and knowledge for music with myself and The Louisville Leopard Percussionists group over the years. Very grateful for the memories I have with him and will hold onto them forever. Sending love and strength to his family and loved ones. 

I was very honored to have crossed paths with Rubén only 38 years ago. I say "only" because there are others that have known him longer. But yet, if you met him yesterday or if you met him 50 years ago, his warmness would always overtake you.
I miss my musical brother, my teacher, my friend profusely. I enjoyed watching the joy on his face, not only when he played music but, when he was watching someone else making a joyful noise. He had a knack of putting those around him at ease even when the situation was tense.
My love, heart and deepest condolences go to Susan, and the Alvarez and Frost families. Your loss is the collective loss to ALL who knew Rubén.
"Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life..." - John 5:28, 29 (NWT)

To Susan and the Alvarez family my condolences to you all at this most difficult time. 

Susan, I know first hand the love you shared with Ruben and I also know he was truly your best friend. I was privileged and honored to be at your wedding many years ago. Rubens beautiful smile, calm demeanor and the love he showed in his eyes for his family and guest were felt throughout the day. I’m so very happy you got to experience that. 

I’m praying for your strength friend.  

Your spirit is alive in all whom you’ve inspired. Your footprint is deep. I’m blessed to have known you as a mentor, teacher, and friend for so many years. I will miss you Rubén. Susan Frost Alvarez please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ruban was a big part of a great family that loved and supported
each other. I will remember you in my heart and memories.
Ron Olsen

Ruben was such a talented musician and educator and was always so generous of his talents and time with younger generations of musicians.  He was a guest artist and artist in residence at Brooks Middle School back in 2008 and has always been a friend of the music program.  Wishing Ruben peace on his new journey.


Ruben was a fantastic musician and a dear friend. For several years Ruben and I had a duo called "Celebrating America", and together we played music at assembly programs at elementary schools in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.  We also played together in several blues bands. Thank you, Ruben, for being such a bright light.
Peace & Love & Joy,
Peter Madcat Ruth

Susan and Alvarez/Frost Family,

Our condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of Ruben.  Susan, I know you were a loving wife as I heard about the care you provided Ruben over the years.  He was blessed to have you in his life.  May the memories you shared with Ruben comfort you at this time.  

We will enroll Ruben in yearly masses.  May he rest in peace with our Heavenly Father! 

Sending prayers your way to give you strength.  
Mark and Donna and Sobie Family 

OBITUARY

Ruben P. Alvarez

20 November, 1951 – 25 September, 2022

Ridge Funeral Home

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