Francisco I Alvarez

Francisco Israel Alvarez of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at the age of 90. Francisco died peacefully at his righteous age and will be remembered by all his family and friends.

Francisco was born in Aguada de Pasajero, Cuba on October 10, 1930 to Cidro Israel and Eladia (Morejon) Alvarez. He was the second child of three children.

In Francisco’s career, he was a successful land administrator who specialized in Cuba’s sugarcane fields as the head puntista. He soon met and married the love of his life, Aydee (Mesa) Alvarez, and together they raised two sons: Isidro & Hector Alvarez. Francisco was a beloved father, grandfather of five grandchildren: Jacqueline, Leslie, Michelle, Hector Jr., and Stephanie, and great-grandfather to Keane.

If there was one word to describe Francisco, it would be: strong. Francisco was a hard-working man who protected and provided for his family throughout his lifetime. During the turbulent times at the turn of the Communist Regimen in Cuba, Francisco stood with the arsados against Castro. In order to flee Cuba with his family from the torment of communism, he worked and lived in the alberge (a form of a concentration camp) for two years with little to no contact with his family and the outside world. It was his sacrifice and perseverance that allowed him to make a better life for his family.

His family escaped to Spain with nothing to their name. They endured hardship upon their arrival and Francisco, being a resourceful and smart man, made connections and worked any available job he could to support his family. After 3-1/2 years in Spain, Francisco and the family were petitioned to Grand Rapids, MI, and soon left thereafter to Fort Lauderdale, FL where he bought his family home and worked for Gene Click Management Corporation until he retired. He was proud to be an American citizen and he can rest peacefully knowing that he did everything in his power to provide better for his family.

“They don’t make men like him anymore.” - Hector Alvarez

Francisco will always be remembered as an honest, respectful, strong, and loving man. He was married to his wife of over 60 years and loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally. He was a dear friend to all in his lifetime and he will be sincerely missed in this world.

There will be a visitation for Francisco from 10 am - 11 am on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, in the pyramid. A funeral service will follow from 11 am -12 pm. There will be a virtual memorial service for those unable to make it in-person from 11 am - 12 pm via this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81365866368?pwd=TVE1MzBlMkdNR3JLbWdVN2VJOFNKdz09 A committal service will conclude from 12:00 pm - 1pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The Alvarez family would like to thank the Healthcare team at Glades West Rehabilitation and Nursing Center who graciously cared for Francisco in the final years of his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnsouth.com for the Alvarez family.