Florencio U. Alvarez-Arce

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Yenia Alvarez, his son Urbano Alvarez-Diaz, daughter in law Lena Liberman (Polaca), daughters Yaznie Alvarez-Tullo, Yesinne Alvarez, and grandchildren, Katya Alvarez-Rodrigues, Alessandro Alvarez-Tullo, Sofia Alvarez & Ava Alvarez.

Urbano was born in Guantanamo, Cuba, son of parents hailing from Santander Spain, where the family has deep roots. He was very proud of his Jesuit education at La Salle Christian Brothers Academy where he pursued his dream of becoming a civil engineer. He attended a small private College in Campbellsville, Kentucky and was unable to complete his degree due to political unrest at the time. He met his sweetheart at a New Year’s Eve dance and told her that evening that he would marry her. That began their wonderful life adventure. They emigrated to the United States by way of Spain, and he often talked about his love of Cuba and his Spanish roots, his love and gratitude for the USA and the opportunities that were afforded him and his growing family.

He retired from Wakefern Food Corporation, known to all his co-workers as “The Professor”, due to his seemingly vast knowledge of everything under the sun. He was a proud member and shop steward of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters with more than 30 years of service. He was known and respected at work for standing up for workers’ rights, using his bilingual language skills to empower and support his colleagues. As a patriot of his new nation, Urbano paid special interest and offered to assist newly arrived immigrants to achieve the American Dream with gainful employment in any way possible.

Urbano lived his life according to his principles of God, Country and family. His values and dedication to family live on in his family and large group of friends. Remember him fondly and speak of him often. We certainly will.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Florencio's memory may be made to The American Cancer Society at

https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Urbano-Alvarez

A visitation for Florencio will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ 07083.

A funeral service will occur Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 10:30 AM at Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church, 971 Suburban Rd, Union, NJ 07083.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Graceland Memorial Park, 1900 Galloping Hill Rd, Kenilworth, NJ 07033.