Stephen L. Alvarez

Stephen L. Alvarez, 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle entered into the glory of his eternal life on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Solara Hospital in Brownsville after a brief illness.

Stephen, a native and lifetime resident of Brownsville was proud to be a graduate of St. Joseph Academy Class of 1962.  As a student there, Stephen excelled in football as an offensive lineman. While in high school, Stephen lived by himself when his parents moved to Portland, OR because he wanted to graduate with his lifelong friends and classmates from St. Joseph. After graduation, he joined his parents in Portland and started going to college there. During this time, he also enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and served our country proudly during the Vietnam conflict.

Stephen had family in Laredo and would visit them quite often. During one of these visits, he met the green-eyed beauty who would go on to be his life partner for 54 years. Stephen married Elba on Dec. 30, 1965 and in 2015 they were able to celebrate their Golden Anniversary.

Stephen was a man who wore many hats. He started his professional career as a PE coach with BISD at Brownsville High School. Stephen also taught drivers education classes, and who knows how many of our residents owe their drivers license to him. After obtaining a Master’s degree in education, Stephen became an assistant principal at Stell Middle School.

In the early 70’s, Stephen left the field of education and joined the Federal Probation Office as a Federal Probation Officer. He retired in 2000, after 27 years of dedicated service.

But being that he was still young, he wasn’t ready to stay home and be retired. Stephen returned to his beloved Alma Mater, St. Joseph, as the Dean of Discipline. Stephen touched the lives of countless of our communities youth, both at BISD and St. Joe.

Stephen was a devout Catholic and a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoyed hunting and even had the opportunity to go on a safari. He was very proud of the trophies mounted in the TV room of his home. At Christmas, he merrily put an elves hat on each one giving the room a very festive look.

Stephen was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed not only by his family and friends but by all those fortunate to have known him.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents: Francisca G. and Abelardo G. Alvarez.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Elba L. Alvarez; 2 sons: Esteban “Stephen” L. (Roberta “Bobbie”) and David M. (Laura) Alvarez; the 5 grandchildren that were his pride and joy: Stephanie Lauren (Davon) Smart, Samantha Leslie Alvarez, Esteban L. Alvarez III., David M. Alvarez II, and Diego M. Alvarez; and Stephen was blessed to be able to see his first great-grandchild, Brazen Hawk Smart. Stephen will also be missed by his brother, Abelardo “Abe” (Karen) Alvarez and a sister, Mary Frances Cowan along with numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

In accordance with Stephen’s wishes, he will be cremated. No other services are scheduled at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Stephen’s name may be made to St. Joseph Academy, 101 St. Joseph Drive, Brownsville, TX 78520.

You may go online to view the obituary, sign the guestbook, and extend your condolences online to the Alvarez family at www.darlingmouser.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home 945 Palm Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520, 956-546-7111.