Herman J. Alvarez, 75, of Monessen, died Saturday, November 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
He was born in Monessen on July 14, 1939, the son of the late Jose and Adela Perez Alvarez. Herman was a lifelong resident of Monessen, a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, the MHS Class of 1957, ASHE Engineering Group, AASHTO Asphalt Group, PAPA, Contractors Association, Joe Walker Air Force Association, and the Monongahela Valley Country Club.
He was the founder of El Grande Industries, and had previously worked for Victoria and Son's Trucking and was manager of Burrell Construction Company, Donora Plant.
He served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960 as a speciality aircraft mechanic for the Thunderbirds. Herman was a great man, a devoted husband, son, brother, and friend, a loving father and adoring grandfather. He was instrumental in constructing the war memorials in Monessen City Park and Donora. Herman was an advocate for all veterans in all military branches and expressed his gratitude for thier sacrifices and accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Adelene "Lena" Galante Alvarez, a daughter, Gloria (Gabe) Hudock of McMurray, a son, Joseph (Melinda) Alvarez of Monongahela, six grandchildren, Meghan Hudock, Natalie Alvarez, John Hudock, Julia Alvarez, Stephen Herman Hudock, Nina Alvarez, two brothers, Joseph "Speed" Alvarez of Carroll Twp., Tony (Joyce) Alvarez of Belle Vernon, two sisters, Adela E. Alvarez of Monessen, Gloria Vasunda of Monongahela, a sister-in-law, Patty Galante Kozlowski of Pittsburgh, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Harvey Mull, sister-in-law Mary Alvarez, his in-laws, Angelo and Rosa Galante, and by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph Galante, August (Joan) Galante, Tony (Louise) Galante, and Grace (Mike) Urdenis.
Friends will be received on Monday Nov. 3rd from 6 to 8 pm, and Tuesday Nov. 4th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Ave. Monessen. Services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 5th beginning with a 9:30 am Blessing in the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 am Funeral Mass in Epiphany of Our Lord Church. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Monessen.
On Monday evening at 7:00 pm, there will be a combined Military Veterans Service held in the funeral home. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.