Obituary of Michael J. Alvarez
Michael J. Alvarez, 67, died on Monday, February 4, 2019 in the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Somerset in Somerville.
Born and raised in the Greenville section of Jersey City, Mike settled to South Plainfield 33 years ago.
He was a graduate of Snyder High School and furthered his education at Jersey City State where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree.
Mike was currently the Assistant Athletic Director for Rutgers University Newark Campus, a position he held for the past 15 years.
As his children were growing up, Mr. Alvarez was fortunate enough to have coached all throughout each of their youth and high school sporting programs. Currently, Mike was a member of the South Plainfield Recreation Commission as well as a member of the South Plainfield High School Athletic Booster Club, which as a result to his dedication and commitment to the organizations continued success, was a recognized as an Honorary Life Member.
He was also a founding member of the South Plainfield Ponytail Association and presently serving as President of the South Plainfield Golf Association.
He was an avid golfer and a season ticket holder to Rutgers University Football and Wrestling programs but what he found most joyful was attending and never missing any of his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Predeceased by his brother Raymond, Mike is survived by his daughter, Katie (Alvarez) Bencivenga and her husband Dino of Clark; son, Michael Alvarez of South Plainfield; true companion, Judy Alvarez also of South Plainfield; grandchildren, Jack, Julian, Jonah and Jaden Bencivenga and Steven and Daniel Twist and an additional daughter, Lindsay of Fair Lawn. Also surviving are three sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and his extended Rutgers University family.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 3-8pm in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
Funeral Services will begin at 9:45am on Friday, February 8, 2019 in the funeral home followed a funeral mass at Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church, South Plainfield.
Cremation Services will take place privately.
In Lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the South Plainfield South Plainfield High School Athletic Booster Club. To contact the club please send inquiries to sphsathleticboosterclub@gmail.com
For additional information please visit Mike’s web page at www.mccriskinfuneralhome.com