John "Papo" Alvarez

December 20, 1943 - May 8, 2022

“OUR HERO” John “Papo”Alvarez December 20, 1943 - May 8, 2022 Juan (John) “Papo” Alvarez was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on December 20, 1943. He passed away on May 8, 2022 at 9:25 A.M. John was better known as Papo. He leaves behind his loving family: His wife, Mary, his Children: Daniel, John and Jennifer, and his Grandchildren: Tristan, Marcus, Dylan and Aliyah. John “Papo” Alvarez was a hard-working, strong-willed, organized, dedicated, determined, honorable and positive man. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do for his family. In fact he sacrificed everything and puts his needs aside to always put his family first. Although his job was in Brooklyn, he decided to move his family to Medford, Long Island so they could have a better quality of life. He commuted to work to Brooklyn then New Jersey Monday through Friday and would wake up at 4 A.M. to get home around 7 P.M. He was very proud of his culture and heritage. He would visit his family in Puerto Rico as often as he could until his poor health stopped him from traveling. This brike his heart. He was meticulous about his paperwork, managing his bills, taking care of his home, despite his exhaustion, physical challenges and later his health issues. He was a man that loved, but showed his love, not by words, but how he provided for his family. His wife and long-time companion, Mary was his whole world. Dating since the age of sixteen, Mary was thirteen; he would be her biggest supporter and defender. You could never say or do anything to his partner without him backing her up. It was truly sweet, but also annoying being on the receiving end. “Papo” exemplified: Strength, Courage and Wisdom. He had always taken care of his family at a very young age. He dropped out of high school because he needed to work to support his family, but he made sure he received his GED from St. John’s University. He kept himself educated by reading the newspaper from front to back, watching the news and later searching the internet. “Papo’s” favorite color was green. He loved spending quality time with his family. His family was everything to him, nothing mattered more. He gave anything and would do whatever he could to support the people he loved most, without hesitation. He was also a wonderful friend. He loved using Facebook to talk to people he knew on Ellery Street in Brooklyn. He would post old and new pictures, post his favorite songs he enjoyed listening to, mostly the oldies. His all time favorite musician was as he stated, “The King” Elvis Presley. He enjoyed going to oldies concerts with his wife and exposed his daughter to his world of music. His daughter learned to love the artists he liked and also accompanied them to various concerts. “Papo” took pride in his home and the cars he bought. He took pictures of them and kept it in a photo album with the year, make and model. “Papo” was the youngest of four children. His two eldest siblings Marco “Coco” and Luisa were born blind. His sister, Esmeralda “Laly” was his greatest companion. Their love for each other always showed whenever they were together or on the phone. He treated his family immediate and extended all the same. His nephews from his sister Laly: Raul, Larry and Francisco “Frankie” were like his own sons. He was there for them whenever possible especially when they had lost their own father years ago. One of his closest friends was Cecilio “Compa” Valentin, also his daughter’s Godfather. He had called him his brother. They always spent time together whether he was living in Long Island or in Texas where “Compa” eventually moved to with his wife, Aleyda. They would also speak on the phone to always keep in contact with one another. “Papo” simply stated was a “Warrior.” He battled his first illness, Colon Cancer, at the age of thirty-three. Later, he faced two heart attacks, stage four Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, diabetes and all the ailments it caused throughout his body over the years: his poor circulation, pain in his legs and feet and most recently he was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer. Whatever he was diagnosed with, he faced it head on and always stayed positive. He pushed himself, determined to get better. Surgery after surgery, medication after medication, he would do anything and everything to live and be there for his family. His family always joked that he had nine lives like a cat. He often joked that he was Frankenstein with all the scars from his numerous surgeries. He definitely had a good sense of humor. He instilled many of his greatest characteristics to all of his children. His family is grateful for many things he has done to help and support them. He always wished that he could do more, but he had his limitations, financially and physically. When they were struggling, he was struggling right there with them. Their pain was his pain. Throughout it all, he was their rock and biggest cheerleader. He always stayed positive and focused. They were able to lean on him for support, encouragement and advice. He also gave his opinion whether they wanted it or not. “Papo” will be missed by everyone that has been part of his life. He is no longer suffering or in pain. He is now reunited with his parents, brother and sister in Heaven. Rest in Peace John “Papo” Alvarez: Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. *Please feel free to leave a favorite memory, story or loving comment about John “Papo” Alvarez. His family would appreciate it and would love to learn new things about him, especially about him when he was young. My Love, Papo: I know God has promised you that when the time is right, I will be with you in heavenly peace. Thank you for all your support, care and genuine love. Love Always and Forever, Mary (Maria) My Uncle, My Hero… My Uncle Papo was a true hero and a courageous fighter like no other. His first test with "The Big C” came at the age of 33, but because of his valor and determination to live, he became victorious! He would’ve turned 79 this December, but co-existing with "The Big C” on and off for the last 45 years had taken a toll on him. He fought the good fight but in the end “The Big C” took him from us! My Uncle Papo was a true champion, a hard working, loving and compassionate family man, family always came first! He was always a big part of my life since I can remember. I would say that most of my baby pictures came from him, being the proud uncle that he was. He always reminded me how much I was loved unconditionally and how special I was in his eyes. Indeed, he was a very proud and loving uncle and wasn’t afraid of expressing it at every opportunity he had. I safeguard and treasure all his Birthday Cards, Anniversary and everything in between. He always had a way of up-lifting me with his words of encouragement and kindness. I looked forward to our visits and spending time together. Whether it was here in Texas, New York or Puerto Rico, We always had a good time! We travel to Niagara Falls, Canada and to the Mohican Sun Casino in Connecticut. We also went Cruising in The Lesser Antilles that was a lot of fun! We did it all together as a family and those are the memories I take with me. To me he was that Cool Uncle that no matter what, he would be there for you! He was a kind, loving and compassionate man who accepted me for who I am and gave me nothing but unconditional love and support throughout my life! I am going to miss you so much, but after all you’ve been through since the young age of 33 over and over again, you deserve to live a life, free of pain and to be whole once again. Rejoice in the company of your parents and your siblings. They will be waiting for you with open arms and some day my Mom will join you all as well, but I hope not anytime soon! My Mother loved her little Brother so much and would always share with me her memories of their childhood growing up together in a loving family. She loves him so much that if she was ever to find out of his passing it would devastate her and even set her back with her Alzheimer’s. So we shall do whatever the Doctors deemed is in her best interest, just like we did when her beloved Sister Luisa Passed away as well almost five and a half years ago. In closing, on behalf of me, Juan and my family, My Mother Laly and my Brother’s: Raulito and Frankie, our hearts and Prayers go out to The Alvarez Family. To my Titi Mary who was just two months shy of their 57 Wedding Anniversary and to my cousin’s: Danny, Joby and Jenn. I love y’all so much! Thank You for sharing your father with me…May he rest in eternal peace! Love from a grieving nephew many miles away, Larry Boy