Obituaries

Predeceased by Raul Alvarez, Paul Alvarez, Ray Alvarez, Alice Benites, Lillian Alvarez, Celia Mora, Eva Gallegus and Janice Betchart. Survived by his children Steve Alvarez, Mark Alvarez, Laura Bollentino, Carl Alvarez and grandchildren Alex Alvarez and Patric Alvarez, sisters Margie Santos and Toni Conway, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. Bert Alvarez was born in Pittsburg, CA and was a long-time resident of Fremont. He was a barber for over 30 years and was the owner of Bert’s Barber Shop on Thornton Avenue in Fremont. He enjoyed being a barber and “shooting the breeze” with his many customers and fellow barbers. During the years of owning his business, he was a member of the Elks Lodge #2121 in Fremont. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1948 and earned the rank of Sergeant at the time of his Honorable Discharge in 1952. He was a Rifle Marksman and an Antitank Assault Unit Leader. He fought in several key Korean War battles: Assault and Seizure of Inchon, Korea; Capture and Securing of Seoul, Korea; and Chosin Reservoir. The Chosin Reservoir Battle was where 12,000 U.S. Marines and a few thousand Army Infantry men were surrounded and trapped by 120,00 Chinese Red Army forces from November 27, 1950 to December 13, 1950. There were over 10,000 causalities by the end of the 17-day battle. The Chosin Reservoir Battle was one of the most decorated in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. He received several medals for his service: United Nations; Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; and Purple Heart. In 2015, he received an official proclamation from the Republic of Korea as an “Ambassador for Peace.” It reads, in part, “It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.” He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Chosin Few. He was extremely proud of his service as a U.S. Marine and being a Korean War Veteran. Before his retirement in 1992, he began golfing. A hobby he enjoyed after his retirement as well, spending several days a week golfing. He also enjoyed walking around the neighborhood and Lake Elizabeth. In addition, he enjoyed traveling the world with his loved one Janice especially Hawaii and Mexico. His grandchildren meant everything to him and loved them dearly. Bert will be missed very much by his family and friends. A special thank you to Fremont Aegis Assisted Living staff for taking care of our beloved father for over 5 years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. Website: https://kwva.us/?page=mem_donate Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. PO Box 407 Charleston, IL 61920