It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a great husband, father, grandfather, soldier and friend to many. Ricardo Ramon Alvirez died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, on 29 May 2019 at the age of 92. He will be missed by many as the world is a better place for all he gave to family, country and friends. Ricardo is survived by his wife Rose of 64 years, son David and daughters Deidre (Carl) Fogelgren and Shelly; 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren with one on the way.  His daughter Camille passed away in June 2012.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Coleman Church, Pompano Beach FL on 14 June 2019 at 1:00 pm. Ricardo’s ashes will be interned at Arlington Cemetery at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight of South Florida or your favorite Veteran organization.

Rick led an adventurous life, leaving home at the young age of 14. He took on jobs to get by, like manually setting up bowling pins and quickly scurrying out of the way to not get hit. He lied about his age at 16 and joined the Merchant Marines, serving from 1943 to 1945. He was on the last convoy to Europe during WWII and on the first freighter to go up the Seine River after VE (Victory in Europe) Day and returned from France on VJ (Victory over Japan) Day.

After leaving the Merchant Marines, Rick’s adventures continued. He traveled with a circus for a couple of years; was a life guard; bartended and was a bouncer working with stars like Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra and others; in New York, California, and Miami Beach. He was drafted in the Army in 1951 and continued to serve our Nation honorably for 30 years, retiring as a Special Forces Sergeant Major. During his service, he was a training advisor during the Korean War and did multiple tours in Vietnam and in numerous other operations and conflicts. Among his numerous military medals and commendations, SGM Alvirez received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for gallantry under fire. He and his son David hold the unique distinction of serving as the only father son in the U.S. Army to consecutively serve with the rank of Sergeant Major. 

Rick met his lovely wife Rose when on leave in Miami Beach. They instantly fell in love and he returned to his unit to ask for permission to get married. They married 9 days later at St. Patrick’s Church and soon after began growing what we lovingly refer to as the Alvirez clan. Rick always worked side jobs during his Army career to ensure our family of six were taken care of and would always have vacations which typically included road trips from Ft. Bragg to either New York or Miami Beach. Rick and Rose moved to Pompano Beach in 1998 where Rick did not quit serving. He was the longest standing Board of Director for their Condo Association where Rose will continue to reside.

There is not a person who met Rick, even if only briefly, that he did not leave an impression with. He will sorely be missed but the memories, the life lessons, his legacy, and his spirit will always live on. May you Rest In Peace Ricardo (AKA Rick, Big Al, My Love, Daddy, Papi) with our Camille and the big Jump Master in the sky.