Manuel Marcelino Alvarez

Manuel Marcelino Alvarez, at the age of 76, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. He was born on December 14, 1948, in Scottsdale, AZ, to the late Ygnacio and Maria Espuma Alvarez.  He lived in Mesa, AZ with his family at the SRP Water Users Project Camp and attended grade school at Emerson Elementary. Eventually he and his family relocated to Guadalupe, AZ where he was raised alongside his siblings Maria, Ignacio and Mario.  

Manuel attended McClintock High School; while still attending school he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. He proudly served his country for almost two years as a Wireman and eventually became a Wire Chief earning a few medals. Manuel was assigned to the 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Division (Reinforced) Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and was ranked as Corporal.

 Manuel enjoyed traveling to different locations within Arizona and visiting with his family and friends in his hometown of Guadalupe. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading countless books, completing cross word puzzles and/or putting puzzle pieces together while listening to his radio. He also enjoyed watching his favorite western shows such as Gun Smoke and Rifle Man, and he liked attending to his cultural responsibilities.  

We remember Corporal Manuel M. Alvarez not only as a beloved family member but also as a brave veteran. He was also a respected matachin leader preserving and passing on sacred cultural traditions through faith and community leadership. His loss is greatly felt, along with his collective knowledge of culture, traditions and our Yaqui language. His legacy will live on through those he taught, shared experiences, stories and wisdom.   Manuel is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, his daughter and many other loving family and friends.    

Funeral services will be held at 5pm on Friday October 03, 2025, at The Santa Lucia Temple, 5445 East Calle San Angelo for an all-night traditional Yaqui service. Morning mass will begin at 7am at The Santa Lucia Temple on Saturday October 04, 2025. Following mass, he will be given full military honors to be presented by the American Legion Post 41 Honor/Color Guard at 8am.    

 The Alvarez and Valencia family wishes to express their deep appreciation and sincerely thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy. Your comforting expressions of sympathy will always be remembered with deep gratitude.