Raphael G. ‘Ray’ Alvarez, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on March 30, 2025, at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Manhattan, New York, he was the son of the late Carmen Alvarez.
Ray grew up in New York City, where he graduated from High School. He served proudly in the United States Air Force from 1955 until his honorable discharge in 1958. Ray was employed as a Warehouse Manager for Systems Auto Parts and Maspeth Auto Parts in Queens, NY for over 50 years until his retirement in 2008. He moved to Niagara Falls in 2008 with his loving companion of 46 years, Judith J. (D’Angelo) Harfield.
Spider, as he was affectionately known to family and friends, was a diehard fan of the New York Yankees, and also cheered on the New York Giants, New York Rangers and New York Knicks. When Ray was in the Air Force, he played baseball with an elite team, traveling during the summer to various bases in Europe. After his service, Ray continued to play and manage softball until he moved back to Niagara Falls. He took great pride in his garden and decorating his yard. Ray enjoyed scratching lottery tickets, playing “Winning for Dummies” at the Casino, and writing to Publisher’s Clearing House. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church. Above all, Ray will be remembered as a loving companion, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
In addition to Judy, Ray is survived by his children, Donna (late Lewis) Cornett, Linda (Dale Jones) Alvarez-Jones, Christopher (Michelle) Alvarez, and Lisa Alvarez; 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren; his siblings, Michael (Joanne) Alvarez, Iris (Dominic) D’Orio, and Louisa Gonzalez, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings, Yolanda Fee and Millie Alvarez.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3 from 2 – 4 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will be held at 4 PM. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Ray’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
Visitation
Thursday, April 03, 2025
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps
Funeral Service
Thursday, April 03, 2025
4:00 PM
M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel
2730 Military Road
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Get Directions on Google Maps