Alvin Russell Adriano Ongoco

Alvin Russell Adriano Ongoco, a man of profound resilience, radiant joy, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was 35 years old.

Alvin was born to parents Gerardo and Teresa on January 23, 1990 in Berkeley, California. Alvin’s life was a testament to the power of the human spirit. At the age of three, he fought and defeated childhood leukemia; a victory that instilled in him a lifelong commitment to living every day to the fullest. He turned that survival into a career of service, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Washington and serving as a Clinical Research Supervisor for the BTC Advanced Therapeutics-Liquid Malignancy Team at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Coming full circle, Alvin dedicated his professional life to helping others fight the very diseases he once faced. In late 2024, Alvin was diagnosed with Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST). He fought a long and courageous 15-month battle with the same grace and bravery that defined his childhood.

Though soft-spoken, Alvin had a presence that could fill any room. He was known for his calm, humble demeanor with a witty sense of humor. He was a man of deep loyalty and selflessness, always prioritizing the well-being of his friends and family. This was never more evident than in his role as a devoted godfather to his nephew, Adrian, who brought him immense pride and joy.

Alvin found happiness in the simple things he valued most. He was a passionate sports fan who never missed a chance to cheer on the Mariners at the ballpark or gather with family and friends to watch the Seahawks. He was a fantasy football strategist, a board game enthusiast, and a master of movie quotes and song lyrics. Whether he was traveling abroad with friends, attending Blackpink concerts, or singing and dancing at karaoke with a boba in hand, Alvin’s zest for life was infectious.

Alvin is survived by his loving parents, Gerardo and Teresa; his brother, Gerald Omar (Rina); his godson/nephew, Adrian; and his sister, Regina Ann (Bryan). He leaves behind a legacy of altruism, kindness, perseverance, and a reminder to always live life with a smile.

A funeral mass in honor of Alvin’s life will be held at All Saints Church in Puyallup, WA on January 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST. Following the mass, Alvin will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way, WA.

For those who cannot attend the funeral mass, there will be a livestream that can be viewed here:

🔗 Watch the funeral mass livestream

Alvin was receiving a gene-targeted therapy, Delta-Rex, courtesy of the Aveni Foundation. Donations may be made to the Aveni Foundation in honor and in loving memory of Alvin Ongoco:

🔗 avenifoundation.org