Selso Alvarado Jr.

Selso Alvarado Jr., also known as Sito or Papa, 68, of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away peacefully to be with the Lord August 21st, 2026, now eternally healed of the stage IV cancer he courageously fought. He was born on September 24th, 1957 in Odessa, Texas to Selso Alvarado Sr. and Teresa Luna Alvarado. He was a devoted son and brother. Always a hardworker, he traveled for jobs to provide for his family. He was the oldest of seven children, and prided himself in being the eldest that protected the family. He started working as a youth on his own paper route, and by age 17 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the rank of sergeant in an exceptionally short period of time, and was pinned by a five star general (who flew in on a helicopter just for him).

Many will remember him for his barbecue recipes, which were the best many had ever tasted. He would spend hours by the grill and call his large family to enjoy his delicious meals. He had a deep hearted laugh, loved being outside with a good breeze, and talking to people. He could get to know anyone he met and held long conversations with anyone who was willing to share life stories with him. He loved floating the river, traveling to lakes and oceans, using a waterfall for a massage, and relaxing by the pool. He enjoyed a stereo playing Tejano and had the best dance moves on the floor. He was always there for a celebration, with his trademark shades on, of course.

He was a strong athlete who ran track and was running back for North Dallas High School, always staying strong throughout his life, and training all of the younger athletes in the family by challenging them to run backwards. He gained his master plumber’s license in his early 20’s and he spent most of his career as a superintendent plumber for Brandt Engineering. He enjoyed supervising and even after his retirement, was known to be the man in charge. He had a tremendous work ethic, there was nothing that he could not get done, especially if someone said that it was not possible. He learned and worked various jobs, but was most proud of serving in the United States Marine Corps - “Oorah!”

He is survived by his wife, Olga Hernandez, his mother, Teresa Alvarado, his children, Genevie Aaker (Matt), Elisha Alvarado Schindler (Jason), Chris Hernandez, Vanessa Taylor, and Cody Taylor; his nine grandchildren, Sophia and Stella Aaker, Christopher, Alex, Cierra, Nathaniel, Juliana, Noah, and Analya; and his great-great grandchildren, Leilani and Serenity. He loved his children and grandchildren immensely, always willing to take them for a spin in his truck. He delighted in their laughter and loved spending time with them.

He had numerous brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Though he showed his exterior strength to most, he was a man who felt deeply, and shared his faith and love for Jesus with those he interacted with during his battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his father, Selso Alvarado Sr., and his nephew, Gilberto Salazar III, both whom he loved and deeply missed each and every day they were apart.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home Beltline Road, located at 2951 S. Belt Line Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, on Friday, September 11th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

A Funeral Mass Service will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 2910 Corn Valley Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held directly after Mass at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, from 2:00 pm to 2:15 pm.

A Reception will follow in Trinh Hall located in St. Michael the Archangel Church, 2910 Corn Valley Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.