Our beloved brother, uncle and friend, Alvaro "Al" Alvarez was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014. He was born in Hondo, to Roberto and Maria Vela Alvarez, on Feb.25, 1958. Alvaro was always our "go to person," always willing to listen, offer advice, or help in any way he could. He had the most infectious smile and sense of humor. He always said God had never blessed him with kids of his own because he was meant to help parent each and everyone of his nieces and nephews, which he did, and continued with their kids. Alvaro graduated from Hondo High in 1976 and was always a huge, dedicated Hondo Owl fan. He had a great love for all sports in his younger days. He loved playing tennis, coaching soft ball and tried to attend as many sporting events as he could to cheer on all his sibling's kids, as well of those of his friends. He was co-owner and manager of Alvarez Food Mart. Alvaro had a heart of "Gold." He helped care for our mom till her passing and continued to care for our brother, Michael, always putting their needs before his. He will be greatly missed. Alvaro is preceded in death by his parents, Roberto and Maria Alvarez. Those left to honor his memory are sisters, Diana (Ray) Gutierrez, Brenda (Frank) Lopez; brothers, Bobby (Jill) Alvarez and Michael Alvarez; nephews, Joey Alvarez, Ryan Morales, Colby Alvarez, Kolten Alvarez; nieces, Tiffani Morales, Stephanie Arcos and Brittany Santillano; 12 great-nieces and -nephews and one great-great-nephew.