Antonio Melendez Alvarado has earned his wings and entered into Paradise. He was born to Eugenia M. and Espiridion Alvarado on March 24, 1925. Antonio, known as Tony or "Tata" to most who knew him, was born and raised in the Douglas area. Tony lived his life of 91 years to the fullest. At the age of 14 as soon as World War II began, he and his brother Marcos began working for the Concentration Camps that were located in the Rucker Canyon area.
Immediately after turning 18 he joined the United States Army 102nd Division, 77th Statue of Liberty Division. Because his Regiment and 5 others were so shorthanded they were chosen to render aide to the United States Marine Corp 10th Army Division to the 5th Division Marshall Islands. While on their way to Okinawa Japan, many United States soldiers and Marines were killed in the boats mostly because they were not able to swim. As they entered upon Okinawa waters they expected to invade that area, but instead had to stay in fox holes for many days while waiting for their next orders. Antonio was stuck in a foxhole for many days while up to 12 inches of rain poured daily. His 20/20 vision and sharp shooting skills were what kept him alive for so many days, during which he suffered from a collapsed lung when a concussion grenade was thrown on the beachfront. He was given a Purple Heart for his bravery. Upon leaving the US Army he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Christina Robles. They were married in May of 1950. Tony then went on to work for the DUSD #27 where he worked as a custodian for 25 years in the Jr. High which today is known as Ray Borane Middle School. After his retirement, because of his love for his grandchildren and other children, he went to work for another 5 years as a Crossing Guard for Joe Carlson where he led the children to safety back and forth with all the children calling him "Tata". Tony was also known for his leadership as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 426. In 2010 Tony was awarded with the Presidential Outstanding Leadership Award presented to him by several Boy Scouts. In 2015 Tony was surprised with an Honor Flight, where he was given the trip of a lifetime to Washington D.C. where he got to see his brother's name (Eduardo M. Alvarado) on the WWII wall. Tony lived a life fully and well lived where if you were lucky enough to pass by the 10th Street Park, you would see him sitting in his truck either eating his favorite fruit (watermelon) or meditating on a book he loved so much. Tony is preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years Christina Alvarado, his loving parents Eugenia and Espiridion Alvarado, several brothers and sisters and his son in law Officer Ray M. Rios D.P.D. 520. Tony was the last child of the Alvarado family to enter into Paradise. He is survived by his only daughter Christy M. Rios and 3 sons Tony, Alex and Eddie (Betty). He is also survived by his 10 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews he loved so very much. Tony you will be sorely missed, but until we meet again, Vaya Con Dios. A Rosary for Tony will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2016 at St. Luke's Catholic Church. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 also at St. Luke's Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion and VFW. Pallbearers who will serve are Tony Alvarado III, Xavier Rios, Eddie Alvarado, Jr., Aaron Rios, Andrew Alvarado, Joseph Alvarado.