Michael Eugene "Mike" Alvarez, 73, of Kabletown, WV, passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Winchester Medical Center. He was born in Charles Town on May 8, 1948 and was the son of the late Arsenio A. Alvarez and Helen (Shuma) Alvarez. He was a graduate of Charles Town High School, Class of 1967 and attended Shepherd College. Mike proudly served in the United States Navy and was a Vietnam Veteran who served aboard the USS Independence Aircraft Carrier. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked as a Jefferson County Emergency Dispatcher, Double Day Book Company in Berryville and the Fish and Wildlife Service- Leetown Fish Hatchery. Mike retired from the National Park Service Interpretive Design Center in 2019 after an outstanding federal career, spanning 48 years. He received the highest award an interior employee can receive, The Department of Interior Superior Award. Mike was active in the community and was a volunteer fireman with Citizens Fire Company and served on the Jefferson County Ambulance Authority, later becoming Jefferson County Emergency Services Agency and for 17 years served in several capacities, including secretary and treasurer. He served on the Jefferson County Fair Association Board of Directors for 21 years and served 6 years as Vice President of the Fair association, as well as, several other committees. Mike served on the West Virginia University Extension Services Committee for 10 years and served as President for 5 years. He coached youth soccer in Jefferson County and was Charles Town's representative for the AYSO board. He was a West Virginia 4-H All Star and his family was honored with the 4-H Family Award. He was a member of St. James The Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town. He never met a stranger and made friends with everyone. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was dedicated to his family. Mike married the love of his life and soul mate Dianne (Rissler) Alvarez on September 12, 1970. They met through mutual friends and after his first date, Mike knew that Dianne was the one and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dianne (Rissler) Alvarez; Two sons: Ryan Michael Alvarez (Robin) of Inwood and Chad Eugene Alvarez (Kim) of Rocky Mount, VA.; Grandchildren: Cameron Alvarez, Noah Alvarez, Hannah Alvarez, Isabella Alvarez and two step grandchildren: Emily Lawson and Josh Lawson and great-granddaughter Aubri Alvarez. He is also survived by his two brothers, Ramon A. Alvarez and wife Mary of Charles Town and Manuell A. Alvarez and wife Rebecca of Middleway, WV, Mike is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his great grandchild Salem Grae Alvarez, sister Helene Bazzrea and his faithful four-legged companion Nugget. Funeral services will be conducted at Asbury United Methodist Church (110 North West Street, Charles Town) on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Reverend JoAnn Alexander officiating. Interment will be at the Edge Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm