Jose Angel Alvarez

Jose “Joe” A. Alvarez peacefully passed away on August 24, 2026, at the age of 91 in Rockwall, Texas. Joe was born on September 28, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Isidoro Alvarez and Paz Alvarez, nee Chacon. He grew up in the Little Mexico neighborhood of Dallas. Joe was an important primary source for his stepson, Sol Villasana’s definitive book about the old neighborhood.

Joe attended the St. Ann’s School, Crozier Tech High School, and El Centro College. At an early age, Joe was a skilled amateur boxer with the Dallas Golden Gloves. He also proudly served his county as a member of the U. S. Army’s storied 101st Airborne Division. Joe worked as a technician, retiring after 30 years, at Ling-Temco-Vought “LTV.” At the company’s Aircraft Products Group, Joe worked on some of our country’s most advanced military airplanes.

Joe loved watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He also loved traveling the world with his beloved wife, Rella. His house was also always full of pets which loved dearly. Joe enjoyed listening to the Bee Gees and had a weakness for doughnuts.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rella Alvarez, and siblings Carmen Lopez, Ralph Alvarez, Henry Alvarez, Rudy Alvarez, and Louis Alvarez. He is survived by his devoted stepson, Sol Villasana, stepdaughter Rella Rogers, sister Conception Calderon, and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation for Joe from 5:00-8:00 PM, Monday, August 31st at Gonzalez Funeral Home on Stemmons Freeway in Dallas, with a rosary that evening at 6:30. His funeral will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 1st, also at Gonzalez Funeral Home. Joe will be buried at a private family service at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery near Emory, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; www.aspca.org).