Celso Alvear, Jr. passed away on May 21, 2020. He was born in Kenedy, Texas, to Eloisa (Acosta) and Celso Alvear and was one of eight brothers and ten sisters. He spent most of his childhood on a farm where he developed a deep understanding and respect for nature. He loved exploring forests and trails and wasn’t afraid to stray from the beaten path, walking stick in hand.
Having lost his father at a young age, he and his siblings worked hard to sustain the family. This meant seasonal migrant work in the fields and taking afterschool jobs to help ends meet. These experiences embedded within him the idea that family comes first. This would be his guiding principle for the rest of his life.
Celso enlisted in the United States Army at age 18, was stationed in Germany, and traveled throughout Spain. His military service in Germany not only created a lifelong love of the German language, culture, and food, but it also fostered his confidence and discipline.
Celso married his wife Maria (Martinez) Alvear and started a successful business that he ran for forty years. As a master machinist and precision parts manufacturer, he was considered one of the best in a business that was complex and constantly evolving. He liked to say, “Anything worth doing is worth doing in a superior fashion.” He was truly self-educated and self-made.
Celso was an avid reader and most enjoyed J.R.R. Tolkien, Charles Dickens, James A. Michener, and John Steinbeck. History was another of his passions. His thirst for knowledge almost caused many an accident, as he was known to abruptly turn the car around on road trips in order to read a Texas Historical Marker.
What most defined Celso was his devotion to his family and leading by example. He encouraged his children to freely pursue their passions and use their education and hard work to find their place in the world. He nurtured their curiosity, imagination, and love of learning.
Celso is survived by Maria Alvear, his beloved wife of 52 years; his children Doug Alvear (and his wife Jamie Alvear), Elaine Alvear (and her husband David Sadegh), Christina Sanchez (and her husband Robert Sanchez) and Sandra Alvear (and her husband Artemio Garcia); and his siblings Maria Trinidad Collins, Eloisa Garcia, MaryAnn Salazar, Elvira Horn, Alicia Palacios, Lydia Cruz, Susie Alvear, Maria Luisa Garza, Luis Alvear, and Soilo Alvear. Celso doted on his grandchildren Joshua, Zachary, Nicolas, Monica, Paloma, Belle, and Luna and nurtured a special relationship with each one. He wasn’t afraid to tell corny jokes or make a fool out of himself if it elicited a smile or laugh from his grandchildren who loved him dearly. Celso is preceded in death by his parents Celso and Eloisa Alvear; his brothers Lorenzo, Miguel, David, Alberto, and George; and his sisters Diana and Maria Elena.
Celso took the road less traveled. He forged his own way through poverty and adversity to fulfill his dreams and to raise an adoring family who will miss him always.
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