Delfin Alvarez

Delfin "Al” Alvarez, USN-Retired, 90, passed away March 22. 2025. Born in the Bronx, NY, the only child of immigrant parents, Delfin and Margarita Alvarez, he joined the Navy after high school, and stayed 21 years in active duty, plus an additional 9 years in Fleet Reserve. Attaining the rank of CPO (BTC), he proudly served on several ships, and as a distinguished Training Company Commander, he instructed recruits at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. Always ambitious and hardworking, he had several “side jobs” along the way (from grocery bagger to armed security guard) and completed correspondence courses in auto mechanics and woodworking. Al also worked in two Florida hospitals, including 15 years as Plant Engineering Supervisor at Broward General Medical Center from 1975 to 1990 - and even had a third career with ServiceMaster. As a jack-of-all-trades, he enjoyed making furniture, landscaping, and maintaining/repairing his home and vehicles. As an avid reader, he subscribed to many magazines and newsletters (never missing an issue of “Popular Mechanics”). He loved tv shows, such as “This Old House,” war documentaries, nature shows, and boxing matches, and was often found foot-tapping to country music. His greatest accomplishment was living each day “his way” for the past 32 years following a severe stroke in 1993 and persevering through serious subsequent health issues. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by the love of his life, Sara Ann Alvarez. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Mary Alvarez (James Hill), daughter Ann Cuevas, stepdaughter Ivonne Bright (Eddie), and several grandchildren. Special thanks to the dedicated nurses, especially Meryl Donaldson and James Morgan, and other medical staff (VA and VITAS) that provided care during his final years. Throughout his life, Al donated to several charities and organizations, and it was his wish that all those wishing to honor him would give to one or more of the following: Navy/Marine Relief Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Boys Town, Humane Society, and North Shore Animal League.