Obituary of Franklin Alvarez

Franklin Alvarez (Gaztambide) formerly of Tucson, AZ passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 23, 2021 after a brief illness in Pullman, WA. He was born June 7, 1922 in Anasco, Puerto Rico where he lived until he was 16, when he joined his older brother in New York City. After a brief time there he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp and was shipped out to White Fish, Montana. Over the next couple of years he worked as a logger and firefighter all throughout Montana, northern Idaho and Washington. He made it to Oregon helping farmers clear wildlands to prepare for farming. He also did work on projects in Glacier National Park. With the war in Europe looming after his discharge from the CCC he joined the army, becoming a machine gunner in the 65^th Infantry Division, 260^th Infantry Regiment. After marching across France and Germany and on into Austria his division liberated the Mauthausen Concentration Camp, leaving him with images of war not to be forgotten.  As he continued his career in the Army, he marched up and down Korea with the Borinqueneers, providing support and cover against the Chinese as they overran the 1^st Marine Regiment and elements of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division at the Chosin Reservoir. He retired from the military working several different jobs until he began working as a grocery bagger at Davis Monthan AFB Commissary, where he continued to work until he was 90.

Franklin is survived by two daughters from his first marriage, Delores Mattina and Helen Hoke of New York City. Also surviving, from his second marriage, were a daughter Maria (Roberto) Pacheco of Duluth, Georgia; and a son Franklin (Kristine) of Pullman, WA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Noema; and son Antonio Hernandez. He leaves a legacy of grandchildren, with 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 36 great great grandchildren, and 3 great great great grandchildren.

Franklin’s passing requests for all were: 1. Love God by living in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  2. Love your spouse, family and neighbors. 3. Love and protect our United States of America.

There will be a viewing at 10:30 AM at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene, 410 S Pantano Rd, Tucson, AZ; followed by a service at 11:30 AM. There will be a graveside ceremony with Military Honors at East Lawn Cemetery at 1:30 PM. Please feel free to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Franklin requested tribute donations be made in Noema’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.