The Al Alvarez Foundation
Welcome
Hello. We are the Alvarez family - Welcome to The Al Alvarez Foundation Web site. We created this special place on the Web as a tribute to Al and in order to share our memories of Al Alvarez with you. He was truly a unique individual who gave of himself and made a huge difference in so many lives. Within these pages, we hope that we have captured the essence of Al. Feel free to use the Guestbook page to share your thoughts and memories.
Thanks for visiting!
Alberto (Al) Antonio Alvarez (age 44) of Gambrills, Maryland died unexpectedly on Monday, July 12, 2010. Al was the beloved husband of Kelley (Schoonover), the devoted father of Brian and Kristen, and the loving son of Pat O’Toole and husband John. He was also the brother of Adolfo (Joe) Alvarez and Eduardo (Eddie) Alvarez Hegewisch.
At a memorial gathering held on July 15, 2010 and a service on July 16, 2010, hundreds and hundreds attended to pay their respects and to provide support for Al’s extended family. Prior to the service, five people from various aspects of Al’s life eulogized him and during the service his son, Brian, spoke touchingly of his father and his family.
Al was a founder and co-owner of the Cloudburst Consulting Group, a government contracting firm in Landover, MD that provides services to USAID, HUD, CDC, SAMHSA and other clients. He held a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Clemson University and had extensive experience in executive management. Al was an expert in corporate accounting and financial management systems and served in several senior executive positions at other leading government contracting firms including Quadrangle Development Corp., Devtech, and Equals 3.
Al was an avid soccer enthusiast. He not only played, but used his talents to coach and mentor youths in Bowie, Maryland, West Pembroke Pines, Florida and, most recently, the Soccer Association of Columbia. His impact was felt on and off the field by the players and their families. He was considered by many of his current and former players as a “father figure,” an inspiring leader, and someone who will be greatly missed.
MEMORIAL REFLECTIONS
They say that a true measure of a man is what his family, friends and associates have to say about him. At the memorial service held at Pius X Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland, there were some five hundred people who came from around the country, from Mexico and Ireland to pay their respects and honor Al’s memory. A number of individuals spoke of Al.
Brian Alvarez (Al's Son) Memorial Remarks Everyone here who was coached by you, knew you could motivate anyone to succeed and put forth 110 percent. I would always try to do that because you are my idol, Pop. I always wanted to make you proud. I loved hearing your praise on the car rides home after a game. You gave me constructive criticism and would never hold anything back when you had something to say. When I had a bad game you let me know it and you would let me know what I could have done better. All of your players from West Pines United to SAC and the teams that you coached before I was born loved everything you did for them and all the lessons that you taught them on and off the field. Coach Reyes, Coach Villagran, Coach Dalton, Coach Steve, Coach Tommy and Coach Daff all were part of your coaching journey with me. You always had the biggest smile on the pitch and loved soccer. You were so passionate about it, just as you were about everything you loved in life. I know everyone at your work would always tell me about how great of a boss you were. You were serious when you had to be and when you needed to make people feel comfortable, the jokes came they just kept coming. You started a company with Patrick, just the two of you and now look at your company - growing and prospering just as you knew it would. You always wanted to own your own company and when you wanted to do something, you made it happen no matter what. You had three things that you cared about: honesty, integrity, and hard work. You applied these not only to your company but also to your life and I thank you because you have instilled these traits in me. This past week we went to the Outer banks with Uncle Fo and his family. Everyone who was there said that it was the best week of your life. You were relaxed, your phone barely had service so you didn't have to worry about work, and you got to fish, almost pulled a four-foot fish in after an hour and a half. Upon returning, you hung out with friends and more family, and got to watch the World Cup final - All the things you loved in life. Family, Friends, Fishing, Soccer, and no stress. You always told me that you weren't always going to be there and one day I would have to take care of my sister and my mom. Oh and for the other one in the family, Ollie the dog .... wellll... You never really cared for Ollie .. Dad, you know that I will take care of them in life, and you know all of our wonderful family and friends who loved you so much will help me take care of Mom and Kristen. Please know Dad, that I will make you proud and you know that I will always try to be the best man I can be. I promise you that. I will make you proud at Dayton and I will make you sure that I make you proud the rest of my life. You're not with us physically, but you will always be in my heart. I will carry on your legacy. I love you, Dad. Your one and only son,
Dad, You were the man, plain and simple.
Everyone in this room who talked to you for even five minutes knew that and had the greatest respect for you. You taught everyone one thing or another. You were bigger than life and the glue that brought everyone together. I would always complain when you would call me from upstairs or when I was watching TV to help you with some outdoor work, and I always complained to you that I get made fun of by others because of the expectations that you placed on me (much higher than those of my friends). But you know what? All of those jobs you made me do around the house taught me so much. You told me I had to do these because one day I would have a family of my own and have to take care of them. All of these lessons that you have taught me are fresh in my mind and will be, for the rest of my life.
Brian