William S. Alvarado

William S. Alvarado, at the age of 91, went to be with the lord and was reunited with his beloved parents Jose Alvarado and Candelaria Saldana and other family members that surely welcomed him with loving arms. William (Willie) was born on June 25, 1932, in San Bernardino, California. He was the sixth, and youngest child, born to Jose and Candelaria. He had five siblings; the eldest child was Cheto, the only sister Cruz; followed by three more brothers; Carmel, Johnny, and Raul. Just two weeks before his first birthday Willie would lose his father Jose. Following his father’s death, the siblings along with their mother settled in a home at 735 “K” Street, San Bernardino. He attended Alessandro Elementary School and Sturgess High School, both in San Bernardino. Willie’s High School years were short, he would be enlisted in the National Guard. In 1949, during his teen years, Willie would visit a friend in “Meadowbrook.” One day while visiting his friend, he met his beloved “Erlinda Romo”, she happened to be neighbors with Willie’s friend who introduced them. One year later, they would wed. On April 15th, 1950, in Yuma, Arizona they married and on November 4th of that same year they had a Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Guadlupe Church in San Bernardino, California. Willie’s time in the National Guard would come to an end when their first child, Angeline (Angie), was born. Following the first birth would be two more girls; Ofelia (Fela) and Sylvia and three boys; Daniel (Danny), William Jr. (Billy) and the youngest Joseph (Joey). Willie started his career in San Bernardino as a laborer belonging to the Labor’s Union 703 and would teach himself carpentry becoming a successful journeyman and joined the Carpenter’s Union 944. During his career he was part of the building of the Central City (Carousel) Mall, the overpass bridge from San Bernardino to Redlands and numerous other construction sites. Willie also was the successful business owner of “La Cantina Bar” on Mt. Vernon from about 1975 to 1978. Willie would serve his signature drink, “Willie Special,” which seemed to be his version of a Michelada. Willie loved socializing and the nightlife, and he lovvved to dance. Throughout the years he also was an active hunter, he would take the boys on numerous hunting trips in the San Bernardino Mountains and the state of Utah. He retired at the age of sixty-five at which he, his beloved Erlinda and Chuey moved to San Luis, Colorado and enjoyed retired life for about 15 years there. While in Colorado, they both enjoyed hunting trips in the mountains of Colorado, picking pine nuts and enjoyed socializing at the town senior center. In about 2011 they returned to San Bernardino, and in 2023 celebrated 73 years of marriage. Willie is the last member of his immediate family that has come to rest and is preceded by his parents Jose and Candelaria and siblings; Cheto, Cruz, Carmel, Johnny, and Raul. He is survived by his wife of 73 years Erlinda, three daughters; Angie, Fela, Sylvia and three sons; Danny (Cindy), Billy (Michelle) and Joey (Anna); 31 Grandchildren; 50 Great-Grandchildren and 10 Great-Great-Grandchildren and many others that will miss him dearly!♥

William S. Alvarado

June 25, 1932 - January 20, 2024