Captain Joseph Michael Alvarez Jr.

Joseph Michael Alvarez, Jr., 48 of Kansas City, MO died Monday, December 13, 2021 at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, 901 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Kansas City, MO. Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2201 Cleveland, Kansas City, MO. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 pm at the McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO. AT ALL GATHERINGS, THE FAMILY HAS REQUESTED FACE MASKS BE WORN. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.

Joe was born October 1, 1973 in Kansas City to Joseph and Theresa (Gill) Alvarez Sr. He had been a firefighter for the Kansas City Fire Department for 28 years before retiring as Captain. Joe truly enjoyed being with his family, on the deck, at the lake or whenever they could get together. He loved to relax with a good cigar and a few fingers of a nice bourbon. Joe was a hunter and avid Chiefs fan.

Joe was a man of his word, a man of great integrity. He had a commanding presence and a unique charisma, which drew people to him. He cared deeply for his fellow firefighter brothers and approached everything he did with pride and a meticulous attention to detail. Joe was selfless. He did everything in his power to help people-whether that was in his family, amongst his friends, or on the job. He had an infectious smile and his ornery giggle could change the mood in a room instantly. Beyond the strong, tough, exterior was a gentle, loving, kind-hearted family man, whose world revolved around his love for his family.

Joe was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Bertha Alvarez (paternal) and Alfredo and Jovita Gill (maternal). He is survived by his wife, Chrissy (Higby); two sons, Emilio Alvarez and Max Alvarez; his daughter, Mia Alvarez; one stepson, Colby Anthofer; two stepdaughters, Riley Anthofer and Laney Anthofer; one sister, Stacey Camareno (Valentino, Jr.); one nephew, Rey Camareno; two nieces, Angelica Shaffer (Zech) and Olivia Camareno; one great- nephew, Dominic Shaffer; his parents-in-law, David and Evelyn Higby; grandparents-in-law, Wayne and Carolyn Higby; one sister-in-law, Alicia Hazlett (Jesse); three stepnieces, Sophie Hazlett, Brighton Hazlett and Everly Hazlett.