Dec 20, 2013

Instrumental in starting Washington Rides

Richard Kent Alvarez, 75, of Burgettstown, died Friday, December 20, 2013, in his home.

He was born May 16, 1938, in Clarksburg, W.Va., a son of the late Eugene and Mary Vega Alvarez.

Mr. Alvarez owned and operated Alvarez Refrigeration, was employed by Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and was maintenance director for Burgettstown School District.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a member of McDonald Rod and Reel, Bur-Lang Club and Richard Vaux Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Alvarez was dedicated to his community, serving on Burgettstown Borough Council for 40 years and was instrumental in starting Washington Rides, a transportation system for local senior citizens.

On February 5, 1977, he married Clara Battisti, who survives.

Also surviving are his three daughters, Maria Mendak of Langeloth, Alicia Suehr of Paris and Sheree Zimmer of Robinson Township; brothers Henry (Lucy) Alvarez of Clarksburg, W.Va., and Paul (Edith) Alvarez of Langeloth; a sister-in-law, Mary Alvarez of Burgettstown; six grandchildren, Sarah (Susie) Alvarez Mendak, Jenny Jo Mendak, Nora, Anna and Ben Suehr and Sydney Zimmer; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are five brothers, Herman, Eugene, Joseph “Kelly,” David and Louie Alvarez.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Taucher Funeral Home, 23 Erie Mine Road, Burgettstown, where a blessing service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 23, with the Rev. Richard Tusky officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Florence.

For further information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.taucherfuneralhome.com.