"A True Gentleman", Manuel J. Alvarez, devoted husband, loving father, proud Popi and exuberant great grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2017.

A man from humble beginnings with a Don Quixote spirit, Manny was born in Brooklyn NY, April 25, 1930.  He was the son of Spanish immigrant parents.   Manny lived in Park Slope with his mother, Amalia, father Manuel, and sister, Helen.  Brooklyn allowed Manny to identify and nurture many of his inspiring talents and interests.  His love for gardening, and roses in particular, came from his mother's beautiful garden and continual visits to The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens and Prospect Park. These surroundings solidified his natural talents as a painter, creator of stained glass artwork, candle maker, and artist.  His love for Opera, Broadway, movies and the classical arts, all had their beginnings in his hometown.   His home today displays much of his handiwork and is constantly filled with music he loved from Tosca, Carmen, Beethoven, Bernstein, Phillip Glass, Placido Domingo, Pavarotti, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and Verdi.

After leaving Brooklyn, Manny headed to Pennsylvania where he met the love of his life.   Eileen (Strittmatter) and Manny were married on August 21 ^nd , 1954.  They had little time alone as children quickly began to arrive.   The family navigated through various towns in Pennsylvania, until Manny took a job as a computer engineer for IBM and they relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY.    Manny worked for IBM for 30 years before retiring to Clermont Florida.

His cherished friends at Kings Ridge will remember him as an avid pinochle and bridge player, an active member of the Men's Club and Computer Club, a dedicated ROMEO and a participant of all Kings Ridge Special celebrations.   Manny was a devoted Catholic, tithing his time as a Eucharistic minister and volunteer at St Mary's Church (Poughkeepsie, NY) and as a member of the Blessed Sacrament Church (Clermont, Fl).

Friends remember the twinkle in his eye and the kindness that emanated from him.  Manny and Eileen loved to share their home and would make each guest feel as if they were part of the family.   It is certain that his love of friends came from the love of family, rearing nine children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.   Manny is loved and cherished by those he left behind, his wife Eileen, his children Scott (Mary Lou), Lynne (Bob), Jan (Don), Drew (Kathy), Manuel (Terry), Eileen (Mike), Lisa (Michael), Mary, and Alan (Jenn).  He is in the hearts of his grandchildren, Paul (Sarah), Michelle (Jeff), Manny, Christina, Danielle, Christopher, Jason, Ryan, Cody, Kyle, Alexia and Zavier.  We watch as Manny's spirit is reflected in each one of his great grandchildren; Amelia, Owen and Luke.

During his last few days, Manny was visited by a host of his adoring family and dear friends.  If love was enough to keep a person alive, Manny would have lived indefinitely.  We love you Popi.  For those of you that want to share in a celebration of his life, please join his family in love, respect, sadness, joy, and peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mike Conley Hospice House C/O Cornerstone Hospice or Manuel Alvarez Gift Fund C/O Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.