Obituary of Jose "Joe" Cruz Alvarado

Jose “Joe” Cruz Alvarado, born August 21, 1958 in Burnet, Texas, was called to Heaven on August 20, 2021. He died, as he lived, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Cruz Alvarado, his stepfather John Guerrero, his brother Fernando Alvarado and his sisters, Josie Cuellar and Isabel Nuñez

Joe is survived by his mother Nancy Hernandez Guerrero, his brothers: George Alvarado, Robert Alexander Alvarado, Edio Guerrero, and wife, Maryann, Cruz Alvarado, Jr., and wife, Anita, Jerry Alvarado, and wife, Rose, and Joaquin Alvarado, and wife, Stephanie; his sisters: Mary Alice Alvarado, Pauline Saucedo, and husband, Jim Tyler, Nancy Madani, and husband Jon, Patricia Guerrero, and life-partner, Sheila Archie, Norma Guerrero-Jones, and husband, Fred, Delia Rubalcado, and husband, Abram, and Adelina Acosta, and husband, Ruben; his brother-in-law, Martin Nuñez. Joe is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe lived life to the fullest. After graduating from Austin High School, his friendly personality and gift of gab led him to be a success. It was easy to see early on that whether Joe was selling shoes or simply listening to our problems, Joe had the ability to connect to people. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand. Joe was a natural storyteller who could talk to anyone, in part, because he knew, everyone. If you ever introduced someone to Joe, there was a good chance Joe, and his new friend knew someone in common.

Joe possessed many gifts. He was an avid pool player, a natural golfer, and no doubt the best Tejano disc jockey you’ve ever heard. He was equally ready with a joke to tell or with an ear to listen. But perhaps his greatest gift was making others feel important. He treated his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. Joe took great pride in handing out gifts to friends and family, dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve, and in serenading us all with his rendition of “Las Mananitas” at all birthday gatherings.

Joe’s energy and his kind and compassionate spirit will be carried with us forever.

His devout faith in God and the power of prayer combined to serve as his shield for many years as he battled the ailments which ultimately took him from us.

The Alvarado/Guerrero family is grateful for the friendship of Eugenio (OJ) Rodriguez. OJ was always by Joe’s side and was a constant source of care and support for him.

But no bond was ever stronger than the one that existed between Joe and his mother Nancy. No task, no favor, no chore was ever too much to ask. If “Mama” needed something, Joe would make sure it was going to happen, and vice versa. Her incredible strength, and their unbreakable bond, made their relationship one that will endure forever.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at Mission Funeral Home - East Side, 1615 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021 at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, Robert T. Martinez St., Austin, Texas.  Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - East Side

Due to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

We politely request the continued use of face coverings in an effort to

help protect our community.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.