Our family has such fond memories of Dr. David and the care, kindness, and humor he gave so freely. The community he served and the people he touched are forever grateful to have known such a wonderful man.

The Rinna Family


I just saw that Dave has passed.  We were classmates in Pharmacy school at Butler.  He was just a genuinely nice guy, kind, and not showy.  Sounds like he was able to accomplish much in his life and do much good. I know it is a huge loss to his family and friends. I feel a loss also. 

David was many things to me. Fellow Hoosier, mentor, fellow aviation medicine practitioner, fellow sailor, fellow helicopter squadron member, fellow NAMI grad and co-worker. Dave and I worked together at NAS Norfolk and Sewell’s Point Branch Medical Clinic (Aerospace Medicine Dept). One of the best doctors and finest human beings I ever worked with. I very much enjoyed his sense of humor and easy/kind bedside manner. He never treated me differently despite our differences in rank or position. David was a true team player and fierce advocate of “One team, One dream” mentality. I enjoyed staying in contact over the years and reveling in his love of family and travel. You will be missed my friend.

Dr. Alvarez was the one to diagnose my stomach cancer in 2001. Every doctor I saw before him did not diagnose me correctly. The cancer was in the 4th stage by this time.
Very greatful for his care.
John Cisneros. 

My sincere condolences to David's family. I was a patient of David's for many years and he helped me through my medical (and sometimes non-medical) issues with caring and understanding. Although I would only see him for maybe 1-4 times a year, over the years, it was as if I was being treated by a brother. We were close in age and I felt he truely understood my concerns.  It is so hard to find a physician you like, trust and respect. Please know that your loss is felt and shared by his many patients. I have no doubt that he is now at peace with the Lord and is being rewarded for his compassion. 

To the Family of Dr. Alvarez:  Having just learned of David's passing, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your husband, father, son. As a patient of David's for over 20 years, who was also our son's physician for nearly as long, I cannot imagine a more caring, empathic, patient and personable doctor. He always took time, even if that meant his schedule might get a bit backed up from time to time (a good gauge of his priorities!). I know how badly he will be missed by his patients, but so much more importantly and deeply by his friends and family; my wife Dominique, our son Sébastien and I will grieve along with you. I will especially miss chatting with Dr. Alvarez about the U.P. and outdoor adventures, for which I share his passion. We wish you strength as you face this great loss and hope that your memories of David will console you in the days to come. --Roger Butler-Borruat

David was our primary care practitioner for well over 20 years, and of course a skilled physician. We followed him from place to place! But he was so much more.  He was among the kindest, most compassionate and open hearted people I ever met, a wonderful listener, and with a great sense of humor.  He saw me through some challenging medical situations with his unique brand of wisdom and kindness. Thank you David for being a part of our lives. You will be deeply missed. One special memory; we were talking about CPAPs and my challenge when camping. He described hanging in his hammock, sleeping soundly with his small battery cpap. I was almost 70 then. He inspired me to keep camping! 

I met David in 2000 as he became my Doctor.  We always had good conversations as I played Football and Hockey in the Big 10 so we had shared medical friends.  As time moved on we found that we both had the Navy, the Trumpet, and the same Fraternity in common.  He cared for my entire family over the years and was so caring and professional.  Everyone loved Dave.  My heart is saddened but honored to have known him. 

Pam, I was so sorry to hear that Dave had passed. Sincere condolences to you and your family.  

I considered Dr. Alvarez to be my physician but also my friend. Though we were not social friends, his kindness, empathy, and ability to listen allowed me to see how he was so much more than a doctor. His capacity for kindness was beyond description, his unaffected and easygoing nature was a quality I so envied, and his subtle and low-key humor always made visits to his clinic all the more special. Most of all, I will miss him. My condolences to his family and extensive community of friends. He was like no other....

David was the kindest and most genuine person I have ever had the fortune to know.  It is heartbreaking to loose such an amazing teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend. He had a gift for connecting with the people around him—his patients, students, coworkers, friends.  His all time favorite topic to discuss was his kids. He was always so proud to share their lastest endeavors.  My heart breaks for them and Pam.  He will be severely missed. 

I don't know if its proper to say that you love your Physician...but I did love Dr Alvarez...not in any romantic sense , but in the truest sense of the word.  He was a most genuine, kind, and caring man and physician. He had a way of making me feel seen, and understood. And when I came to him in frustration and despair he sat with me and shared his own feeling at a similar time in life. He helped me medically and emotionally accept myself and move ahead with renewed strength and  grace. A truly remarkable man and physician. He will remain in my heart always.
 

I'm so sorry to hear about David's passing. I knew him early in his life, and he and I were friends in Delphi in childhood. His memory means a lot to me. I am glad to see that he found his passion and accomplished so much. What a wonderful life he lived and his success shows clearly in the love of those around him. His father Abe was also an amazing and honorable man. I'm very lucky to have known David and his family. 

To the family, noone knows your feelings, may you  be comforted  during this difficult time.  So sorry, no words.    Dr. Alvaez, Dr. Dave, Dave.  Co-worker. friend, and Family.  A geniune man, adventurous, funny, patient and Kind.  Working with you was a joy, I looked foward to it. As Matts Doctor you were #1.  As a friend, we went with you to look for your first harley.  We got to spend a fun filled day riding to Irish hills.  You never quit smiling.  We once had a discussion of the beautiful full moon. and you sent a photo you took of it.  Saying, Im "mooning you"   lol.  Recently the full moon was bright,  Iooking up, thinking of you with a smile and prayer, I said Im mooning you back Dr. Alvarez, We Love you and your family we will miss you
Matt and Bonnie Boshaw

I moved to Ann Arbor from Atlanta in 2000. I'm don't remember how I linked up with Dr. Alvarez as my physician but feel so fortunate that I did.  He helped me navigate many health challenges with tremendous calm and kindness. I am grateful to have known him.

David was a very kind and thoughtful person. I had pleasure of working in the same team when I started to work 13 years ago, and he helped me a lot in various occasions.  He kindly took my husband as a PCP and helped him going through the hard time, and he also gave me a lot of guidance when I started to run on the street.  I am very sad and will miss him very much. 

In memory of David Alvarez - one of the kindest and welcoming people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing- last weekend we celebrated ￼you in a place I know you loved- Winter Park, Colorado. Grey Garrett and I enjoyed the snow, took the dog skijoring, and toasted you with corona and pizza. I know that we are better people for having had you in our lives. So much love to Pamela Rockwell, Christina and Teddy and your family. ￼￼ David Alvarez- you made people smile, you were authentic, you loved those around you and made sure they knew it.. and you cared about your patients and work. You are missed. 

David will forever live in my mind as the kind, gentle, generous, loving, intelligent man, father, partner, teacher, physician, colleague and friend that he was to so many.  David made everyone around him better. To know him was to love him. 
Thanks, David, for making the world a little brighter. 

Such a heavy heart with the loss of a dear friend, colleague, and mentor. David was truly one of the most genuinely good people I’ve ever known and every bit a big brother to me. The care with which he treated friends, family, and patients was endearing. There is no kinder heart. I shall find peace in knowing how blessed my life has been because of you, my friend! You were always a shoulder, an ear, and a voice of reason when I faced life challenges even as you faced your own.  Our clinic atmosphere, trips to AMSSM conferences, and beer rounds will never be the same without you! I will celebrate how you lived your life with such, grace, honor and humility and I will cherish so many wonderful memories!❤️

Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this difficult time. You created a beautiful family together and your love will always be apart of you. Sending my love to all of you.

Although We only knew David for a short period of time, we were and will always be touched by how kind and present he was with every single person he encountered. David will always be remembered and he will be sadly missed.  
We send our deepest condolences
Don and Maria Hall

Dr. Alvarez was the best doctor I have ever had, and I truly believe he saved my life, twice.  He detected a lump in 1999 (that I never could feel) that led to my first mastectomy in 2000.  Later that year he scheduled a colonoscopy for me that detected polyps which then put me on either a 3- or 5-year colonoscopy schedule depending upon what they found each time.  I was 42 years old then.  That made me high risk and I was monitored carefully.  My sister, who didn't have a good doctor, was ignored when she had colon issues and had Stage 4 colon cancer by age 47 and died at age 50.  That would have been my lot had Dr. Alvarez not been the excellent, caring and conscientious doctor that he was.  All of his patients were so very lucky to have him as their doctor and I will be forever grateful to him.    

David was my husband's primary care physician for over 2 decades; I think we both started seeing him and Pam not long after they started at UM. A wonderful man, doctor, and a great human being - kind, caring, and compassionate. The world is less bright. Ted and Peggy White

He’s so busy right? A doctor working in two different clinics. I was just a clerk in one of them.  Any interaction I ever had with him, I always felt like he was present in the moment with me. Whether we were talking about something silly or he was just listening or showing support after I experienced a loss. Always interested in peoples  lives, asking questions, supporting interests. A gem. The world is less bright. 

So saddened and shocked to learn of David's passing. We were stationed together at Sewell's Point Clinic in Norfolk, VA in the early 90's - He a new Flight Surgeon and me a junior AVT Corpsman. From early on, we became friends as he was such a genuine guy and the kind of doctor we all liked to work with. He would routinely go out of his way to grasp teaching moments and shape our young minds. Though it was several decades ago, I can still vividly recall his calm demeanor and gentle approach to patients and staff alike.  His encouragement, guidance and inspiration were definitely factors in my career choice as a Physician Assistant. Thanks for everything and Rest in Peace old friend. Many thoughts and prayers to the family. 

Pam, it is with great sorrow to learn of Dave’s passing.  He was one of the most genuine and sincere people in our class at COM. Always willing to share a laugh, offer support as a great listener and gentle demeanor.  My only wish is that I could have looked you both up to rekindle our friendship when we travel back home to Michigan to visit family.
Pam, I remember the way he lit up whenever you walked into a room. We all knew that you both were perfect for one another those many years ago. His passing I know is devastating to you and your kids, but know the love he gave to you will live forever as will he in God’s presence.
With deepest condolences, 
Rob Guerreso 

So sad to hear about the loss of David Alvarez.  I met Dave as a classmate in COM 89.  He was one of the nicest and most well respected students in the class.  He had a soft but magnetic personality which was highlighted by his profound sense of earnestness.  I knew him to be very caring and compassionate.  The loss to out community can only be outweighed by the contributions David made for its betterment.  My thoughts and Prayers are with Pam , the children and all those who were a part of his community of life.   

So much love and light is in Dave’s life! My condolences and prayers to you Pam and your family. I remember Dave fondly.

I'm so sorry to hear of Dr. Alvarez's passing.  He was my doctor for over 30 years.  He was always  positive, upbeat, and reassuring during my appointments with him.  We need more people/doctors like him in the world.  I'll miss him.

Doctor Alvarez was a one of a kind doctor! Our family saw him for many years and we didn’t trust anyone else, he would always go above and beyond with his care.  We will miss him a lot! 

David was a kind and gentle soul.  He knew so much but was always humble, nonjudgmental, and kind.  Just always kind. To everyone.  His patients loved him, his students loved him, and all of us in Family Medicine loved and respected him.  He had a special bond with his family and he and Pam have been an inspiration for me in so many ways.  I still remember many times as a resident in Ypsi when Pam would be precepting and a bouquet of flowers from David would show up; totally romantic.  

I was reading patient comments last week and one person said that Dr. Alvarez was the model of what a family doctor should be like.    I think that sums it up better than I ever could.  
All of us who knew him will carry his light and kindness forward. 

We are so sorry to hear about David.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time.                         

Dr. Alvarez was the kind of person who by just looking at him you feel good. His smile was his signature.  I feel lucky that I got the chance to work by his side . He is the kind of man you want to meet in your life to appreciate life more.  He definitely will be missed.


I was a patient of Dr. Alvarez ever since I was a new born. I am 20 years old now turning 21 in a couple of months. After all these years there have been a lot of broken bones, bruises, and sickness, and Dr. Alvarez was there to help for it all. He is a person I look up too a lot and probably the main reason I love medicine so much. He will be greatly missed, but the impact he left on others will effect generations. 



Earleen, Suzie and families,    Our thoughts and prayers to you with the passing of David. He was always full of life and had the best gracious smile.  I'm sure the angels were smiling as Heaven gained a faithful, and very special  man.

  Matt, Marcia (Abbott) Eppers

The services for David Alvarez have been cancelled due to health reasons. They will be rescheduled to a later date. Thank you for your understanding. 

The services for David Alvarez are cancelled due to health reasons. They will be rescheduled to a later date. Thank you for your understanding. 

Dear Dr. Pam and Family.  We were so saddened to learn of your husband's passing.  It is just that more heart breaking at a time when the world definitely needs more people like him.  You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
Very truly yours,
Tom and Carolin Schrodt

Dave was a great classmate.  I always admired him. I know he will be forever missed.  May he fly high with the angels and help guide us all to better ways R.I.P.

My thoughts and prayers will remain for David’s family.  Classmates since grade school, David was always so kind and sweet - to everyone.  I am honored that I was blessed to know David and be a beneficiary of his friendship , knowledge and advice.  Doc, I know that you will live forever in the hearts of many.  Your life was an impressive accomplishment and your light will always shine.

We so enjoyed our times spent with David over the years!  He was so welcoming, warm and friendly . We will miss seeing him and pray the Lord will comfort you in your loss . Tim & Cathy

Dr Alvarez
Thank you for listening to me when others thought I was crazy. Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions when I was searching for answers on test results and talking me off the ledge. Thank you for being present during our video sessions and noticing that the crazy board behind me reminded you of a OCD hospital board..still makes me chuckle. Finally thank you for just being a kind human. I am thankful you decided to work at Michigan Medicine to teach more  Dr's to be like you.
You will be missed in this world.


Dave was a wonderful teacher, colleague, and friend.  I will miss him dearly.

Dearest Pam,  Teddy and Christina - 
I am  beyond heartbroken at the loss of dear David.  I remember him loving cherry pie, as do I!  And I remember all of the moments at the clinic when he was so engaging and kind to me and everyone.  Him backing my car out of the driveway for me after a party and the other fun times at your home.

Pam - sending you hugs, I miss you so, I will see you in a few days

Love Always
Jean Johnson

Dr. Alverez was my physician for close to 20 years. By far the best doctor I have ever met. Compassionate, kind, thoughtful, bright and respectful, intelligent and dedicated. I used to say to him that he was as much a psychologist as he was a physician. I could tell him anything and he would always listen. I never felt judged.  Every time one of his students would come and evaluate me first I would tell them that if they could be anything like Dr. Alverez they will be a great physician. I feel so blessed to have had him as my physician for so many years. He will be surely missed. 

Dr. Alvarez was the best doctor anybody could ask for. 
He turned my life around when my life was spinning out of control and I will always be so grateful for him for that.
I just don’t get why great people like him has to leave this world early.
I will never forget you Dr. Alvarez!

David Alvarez and my Family have quite a history, he was my mom Elaine May's Family doctor first. I had the honor of meeting Dr. Alvarez while taking my mom to her appointment with him.  After some time, he got to know me too quite well  and quickly realized that the "The Apple did not fall to far from the tree",  so to speak!
We  started to look forward to our appointments to see Dr. Alvarez and began to attended each other's visits. We were sure to make him laugh, with the silliness  we showed together, and knew he would make us laugh too. Dr. Alvarez would open the exam door at Domino Farms, peek around the door and see one of us first, then all of a sudden there was the second part of our Dynamic Duo and he'd say, "Oh no, it looks like I'm in trouble today, there are both of you at the same time"! : - ) I became Dr. Alvarez's patient very fast, I liked him a lot! My husband Tim Hankish was his patient also, to listening to the two of them at Tim's visit, well, one would think they were secretly related by the way they joked, and laughed with one another. The visits with Dr Alvarez, and us three always ran over the scheduled 15-20 minute allotted time frame,  it just couldn't be avoided! Fast forwarding many years to recent times, my mom died unexpectedly at 78, on Valentine's Day, 2021 of Cardiac Arrest caused by the damage from the deadly Covid-19 Virus. The first Video visit he and I had was around April following my mom's death. The moment we connected on Zoom I started crying as I told him how much grief I was in, and how lost and lonely I felt without my mom. He did his very best to hold back "his tears" but was unsuccessful you see, Dr. Alvarez could feel "my pain." but my beautiful mom, was "his patient also". What empathy he had shown me!~  We'd like Dr. Alvarez's wife, children and family, as well as all his friends and Colleagues to know that he was much, much more than a family doctor to us, he became our  friend!~ Rest easy our friend!
The Hankish's

David was a respected colleague and will be missed.  Pam, my prayers are with you and your family.

My heart breaks for Pam, Teddy, Christina. David's close friends and extended family.  David was such a kind and patient man whose patients adored him, he was such a pleasure to work for and with.  The world will be missing a real gem.   I will be making a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Sending love and light to all. 

Laura J. Rubino
Former staff @ Domino's Farms Family Medicine




To Pamela, Teddy, Christina and family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was my doctor for nearly 30 yrs.  We used to see each other early in the morning dropping off our eldest kids at the Adventure Center Daycare.  Teddy and my daughter were in the same room and even graduated high school together. After my doctors visit with David, he always made time to ask about my kids. As someone who had avoided doctors, hospitals etc., David always made me feel welcomed to receive his quality care and changed my whole perspective of having regular check-ups. He will be sorely missed. 

I never met David, but assuming he's anything like his dad, mom and sister I know  I missed out meeting a special guy.  

Lots of prayers, love and hugs Earleen and Suzi.  

Craig, Jenna, Ashleigh, Noah and Amanda Powlen. 

David has been my doctor for over 25 years. When I got married and had children he became our family practice doctor. My whole family loved him. I have never met anyone in the health care profession with a better bedside manner than David. He just had a way of making my family comfortable.  The kids were never nervous to visit the doctors office. 

Eventually he gave me his cell number and was always quick to return a call or text. I remember one time I was experiencing some shoulder pain. He asked me, "does the pain wake you up at night from a sleep? No? You're fine." And I was.

We eventually hung out socially. David was a great dude. A true friend. He talked lovingly of his children Teddy and Christina. I felt like I knew them. He also talked lovingly of Butler basketball, and EMU sports.

He will be sorely missed by my whole family.

Doug Karsch

I do not remember David too much, having graduated five years before he did from Delphi Community High School.  But, what an  how impressive life!  As the daughter of two teachers who also taught in Delphi, I knew his parents and wished I would have taken Spanish from his dad instead of French in high school.  I think I would have learned more.  The only French I remember now is how to sing La Marseiilaise (and quite poorly).   I share David's love for Pizza King and breaded tenderloins and get as many as I can when I return to Indiana.

I always ask at times such as these why such wonderful people die before their time and the creeps just keep on living.

With deep regrets to the family, especially his mother, who I remember with fondness.

Mary Weaver (Leota and Winnie's daughter)

Dr Alvarez you were such a light, I will forever remember your smile. Thank you for being a kind genuine soul. It was a pleasure to have known you. my prayers are with and the family.
Tamiko

Mrs. Earleen Alvarez...I  am so sorry to learn of your son's passing.
I was a student of both you and Mr. Alvarez in classes at Delphi..graduated 1965.
I  remember your small son.
Please know I am thinking of you..

Earleen,  (Mrs. Alvarez, as a former student it’s weird to call you by name) I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your son. I never knew him but I surely knew you and Señior Abe Alvarez well as I had both of you in High School. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your entire family. My husband and I will make a donation in his name. Sending love and prayers. 
Tanya Fansler( you know me as Tanya McCormick— Reed’s daughter 

David wasn’t just a doctor but a friend. The compassion he had for his patients and friends was amazing! We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care he and Pam gave my Dad during the last months of his life. David, you are missed and loved by so many. You touched so many people and cared so deeply for all of us. 
Rest In Peace, David
Love and Prayers
Heidi and Nils Vitso and Unni Ivesdal

DA- I can’t find the words to say how much I miss you. You are one-of-a-kind. This world will never be the same again. I’m eternally grateful that I was able to call you friend for all these years. I’ma better me because of you. I love you forever. 

Dr Alvaraz was my dr for several years  He was a fine man and more like a friend than a doctor.  Im sure he will be missed not only by his family but his patients as well   rest In peace dr Dave       

Mickey Ichesco

“What death does best is bring life to the living” and I chose life over living as UM did everyday.
May his family and friends find peace in knowing that David made a HUGE impact in this world and will always live on in many hearts forever.  
Prayers and hugs !!!!!


At the last in-person AMSSM conference before the  pandemic, my son took a photo of us. Dave always made sure to ask how we were doing. He taught me so much, not just in fellowship, but on how to deal with people also, as he sensed I was a bit of an introvert . We will miss his advice and his friendship. 

OBITUARY

David Joel Alvarez, D.O.

July 24, 1959 – January 13, 2022

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services