Alvar A. Widlund

Alvar Alexander Widlund, a man of profound faith, resilience, and service, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, at the age of 90. A true Brooklyn native, Alvar was born on February 12, 1936, and leaves behind a storied legacy of hard work and unconditional love.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Alvar served with distinction as a teenager on the flight deck of the USS Valley Forge (CVS-45). During the height of the Cold War, he worked the dangerous flight decks as his crew tracked Russian submarines along the Atlantic coast. His legendary toughness was forged in the Navy, once famously finishing a shift despite a significant injury on deck.

Following his military service, Alvar dedicated 21 years to the New York City Department of Sanitation, a career that afforded him a long and well-deserved retirement. He later continued his professional journey as a certified securities Bank Messenger for JP Morgan, bringing his trademark reliability and work ethic to the financial sector.

Alvar’s greatest joy and crowning achievement was his 65-year marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen (Merino) Widlund. Together, they built a vibrant home and family on Linwood Avenue in Staten Island.

He was the devoted father of Eric, Kathleen, and John. His legacy continues through his seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom grew up under the wing of a man who was as quick with sound advice as he was with a quiet prayer.

A man of immense spiritual conviction, Alvar was a devout parishioner at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Brick, New Jersey. His faith was his anchor, providing him comfort throughout his life and especially in his final days.

Known to many as "Al" or "Poppy," Alvar was a survivor who overcame numerous health challenges with a strength that defied the odds. He will be remembered for his resilience, his dry wit, and the way he could command a room—or a fresh cup of coffee—with a simple, gentle request.

He has completed his final shift and returned to the Lord, leaving the world better for having been in it for 90 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a small donation in Alvar’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to the care and healing of children.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm for a visitation at the D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will offered on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10am at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church in Brick, NJ. Committal Service will travel to the BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.