Joseph Alvarado

Joseph I. Alvarado, 88, of Van Wert, died at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.

He was born April 20, 1925, in Taylor, Texas, to the late Sofia (Sanchez-Martinez) Alvarado and Alberto Alvarado.

His wife, Clare (Hemker) Alvarado, survives of Van Wert.

Other survivors include a son: Joseph G. (Beatriz) Alvarado of Van Wert; brothers: Paul Alvarado of Birmingham, Ala., John (Carol) Alvarado of Northbrook, Ill., and Raymond (Mary Beth) Alvarado of Indianapolis, Ind.; sisters: Carmen Jacobs of Van Wert, Mary Hernandez of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dorothy Cuellar of Ossian, Ind., and Patsy (Charles) Mock of Bluffton, Ind., and grandchildren: Isabel Yvonne Steen, Sofia Rose Alvarado and Joseph David Alvarado.

He was preceded in death by a grandchild: Angel Alvarado; a brother: Pete Alvarado; a sister: Lupe Chavarria, and four siblings who died in infancy.

He retired from Aeroquip/Eaton Corporation Van Wert, after 21 years. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert. He was past president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, past member of the church choir, and member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was a very loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. Gardening was one of his favorite hobbies and he enjoyed entering his produce in the Van Wert County Fair. He was an avid Notre Dame football fan. Joe was a devout Catholic, a very strong man of faith. He was honored to be named godfather for countless members of his family and friends. He used to spend his free time teaching the Catholic religion to migrant workers.

He also volunteered as a Spanish translator when needed. Joe selflessly helped his father support their large family from a young age. He enjoyed reminiscing about his youth in Texas and Mexico. He also loved listening to Mariachi music, eating Mexican food and celebrating Mexican traditions. He is loved and admired by countless people and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. The Rev. Charles Obinwa will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. A rosary service will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are St. Mary of the Assumption Church, St. Mary of the Assumption School, Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.