Luis Alvarado Sr.

Luis Alvarado Sr. was born in McAllen TX on August 8, 1923 to Juan Francisco Alvarado Sr. and Dolores Sifuentes Alvarado. He was one of seven siblings. On March 16, 2014 he was called to be in the eternal rest of Our Lord. He is survived by his wife, Eva Saenz Alvarado; Son, Luis Alvarado Jr. (wife Linda); Daughter, Zulema “Susie” Condello (deceased son-in-law, Joseph P. Condello); Grandchildren: Nick and Kristi Alvarado, Charisma and Mark Villarreal, Monica and Mark Neff, Alina Alvarado, Carlo Luis Condello, Sarabeth Alvarado, Caryn and Eric Trevino, and Analiza Alvarado. Luis is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren as well as numerous extended family members.

Luis had many accomplishments in his ninety years of life. The most important role in his life was his role as a family man. Luis grew up in Mc Allen, TX along with his wife who lived one block away. He served in the United States Army. After he served in the military he married Eva and they began their life in San Antonio, TX where she pursued her career as an RN. He worked as a cartographer and later owned and operated The Alameda Employment agency. During those years he also attended and graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Sociology in 1963. He befriended many priests and brothers at St. Mary’s and maintained those relationships for life. Luis and Eva became Associate Affiliates in The Society of Mary in 1994. Luis helped organize the Bro. Herbert Leies (his mentor) Volunteers that worked with the poor in the west side of San Antonio for many years. He worked as a juvenile probation officer for the Bexar County Probation Department. He retired from his service to the San Antonio community as a counselor for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.

One of his passions in life was studying and participating in politics as it pertained to social justice; specifically equality for Mexican American citizens. Luis was a lifelong member of LULAC and served as an officer at the city, state, and national levels. As a young adult he followed and mentored with some of the founders of LULAC: Professor Jose Luz Saenz (father-in-law), attorney Alonzo Perales (compadre), and Jose T. Canales. He was also a member of the American G. I. Forum, The American Legion Post #2 and the Knights of Columbus.

As a father and grandfather Luis encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue college educations. He applauded three generations of St. Mary’s University graduates with BA, M.Ed and PHD degrees as well as BA and MBA graduates from UTSA.

In their retirement, Luis and his wife Eva, modeled a devout Catholic life by participating in daily mass. Thanks to their God daughter Cecilia De Hoyos and husband, Roland, they continued to receive the holy Eucharist at their assisted living community.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on March 23rd at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 7893 N. Grissom Rd from 3:30-6:00 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be on March 24th at Prince of Peace at 9:30 AM with burial to follow at Fort Sam Houston. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Vincent De Paul at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in his memory.