"Tony" Jesus Antonio Alvarez

Jesus Antonio Alvarez, better known as Tony and lovingly referred to as Papaw or Tio Tony, passed away on Feb 10, 2020. He was diagnosed over a year ago with stage four urothelial carcinoma. He was a man that never backed down from a fight and proved that till his last breath. He was blessed to spend his final moments in the comfort of his own home surrounded by the people he loved.

Tony grew up in New Jersey but has been a resident of Naples, Florida the majority of his life. He was a man of trade for most of his life and had the hands to prove it, working predominantly in construction and tile. His recent years were also spent as a phlebotomy tech with the Naples Community Hospital, a building maintenance technician with Hodges University, and a maintenance specialist for Collier County Government.

We all have our own version of Tony Alvarez but the one synonymous trait that each one shares is the extent of his loving nature. He was a man of few words, whose actions spoke novels. He transcended the boundaries of parental norms. Despite never having biological children of his own, he was a father and grandfather to many. He stepped up when he was needed and did so lovingly. These titles were not given, as they normally are, they were earned. Like everything in his life, they were earned. He will be remembered not in self but in the selfless. His legacy is defined in these roles and the lives he touched along the way.

The service will be at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens this Sunday, Feb 16 at 11am-1pm. Once this concludes, we will join Tony as he is brought to his final resting place. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Joy Alvarez, sister Diana Fricke, son Leon Fairfield, and three grand children; Kara Calvo, Anthony Fairfield, and Brooke Fairfield. Along with his nieces Korri Parker, Cathy Alvarez and Jennifer Alvarez Linguidi. The latter two’s children; Braden Alvarez, Daylin Alvarez, Skylar Alvarez, Jaden, and Dalton Linguidi. Lastly, his nephews; Andrew, Ryan, and Nicholas Fricke; Kyle, Chance, Cody, and Conner Parker; Jeremiah, Jarred, and Jason Harrigan. With many more friends and family to name.