Joseph R. Alvarez

Joseph R Alvarez a Tucson native died July 16, 2015. He was 87. He is survived by his living wife of 41 years, Maria de la Luz (Luchi) Valenzuela and his daughters, Diana Hoffman, Linda Alvarez and Barbie Alvarez; six grandchildren, Jason (Diana) Hoffman, Heather (Jerome) Spiess, Nina (Gabino) Alvarez-Ortega, Casey Torblaa, Joe (Chastity) Torblaa and Anissa (Edgar) Alvarez-Garcia and 12 great-grandchildren. His parents Rosa Astorga and Marcelino Alvarez and brothers, Max Alvarez and Gilbert Astorga preceded him in death. He served in the Korean War from 1950 - 1953, with the 45th Recon Company Infantry Division; was an intelligence officer in Spain and Ecuador and retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Army. In his distinguished career in TUSD he worked as a Teacher, Dean of students, and he retired as Principal of Pistor Jr. High School. They lived in Germany when Luchi accepted a position with DODDS. Joe was an avid historian, golfer, and traveled the world. He also enjoyed volunteering in the community including the Pima County Library Board, VA Hospital Board, Docent President for AZ Historical Society, Westerner's Sheriff; Commander of the Korean War Veteran Rhoads Chapter, VFW and American Legion. Family was his joy. Joe loved entertaining with his wife and socializing with family and friends. He had a wide range of interests, from going camping with his young daughters, football and basketball games, dancing, museums and playing cards. Listening to and telling jokes was something he especially enjoyed and his ready smile will be missed. He celebrated life to the fullest. The family is grateful for the wonderful care he received from Rosas Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice. Services: Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Road. Mass on Friday, July 24, 2015 at St. Thomas, 5150 N. Valley View at 10:30 a.m. with interment immediately following at East Lawn Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's memory to University of AZ Hispanic Alumni: Link for gifts - UAHA online donation or contact Marc Acuna 520-626-9327 or AZ Historical Society: AHSINC, 949 E. Second St., Tucson, AZ 85719.