Richard "Richie" Alvarez

Richard "Richie" Alvarez, 46, passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on January 25, 2023. He was born on July 19, 1976, in Puerto Rico.

Richie is survived by four cherished and beloved children: three daughters, Michelle, Jayda, and Addy (Addyson), and a son, JoJo (Josiah).

Richie is also survived by his parents, Vilma and Jeff Deshaies, his biological father, Jose Alvarez, Sr., his grandmother, Luz Machado, two younger brothers, Alvin Alvarez and JT Deshaies, three aunts, Lillian Alvarado (Dioris), Enid Alvarez (Hector), and Ivette Alvarez, as well as a multitude of treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is predeceased by his wife, Amanda, and his sister, Amy.

As a child, Richie was precocious and inquisitive, solving puzzles and attempting to analyze how a toy worked or was assembled – sometimes at the expense of the destruction of that toy! At a young age, he was often found at his mother's side and over the years, well into adulthood, spoke to his mom every day, referring to her as his "best friend." At his core, Richie was selfless, keen to help those in need.

As an adult, spending time with his children would be of the utmost importance to him. A routine as simple as walking to a nearby store for snacks would create lasting memories. This time together gave the girls a chance to enjoy nature, especially the fluffy ducklings, laugh with their dad, and see him enjoy his snack of choice – a Slim Jim.

Later in life, Richie symbolized his dedication to Jehovah God by baptism on May 18, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. The positive outcome and sincere joy that comes from Jehovah's love and support had taken hold in Richie's life and were abundantly evident to all those that knew him. Richie desired to be the best possible version of himself. His smile seemed brighter because of his dedication to Jehovah.

After just three years of marriage, Richie lost his wife, Amanda, unexpectantly in death. Richie strived each day to keep her memory alive for Addy and JoJo. He did so by ensuring they stayed active and shared with them his own spirit of adventure by visiting aquariums or museums and by traveling to the mountains and Puerto Rico. Visits to Puerto Rico allowed them time to spend with great-grandparents, aunts, an uncle, cousins, and a spiritual family that knew Richie since his birth. What Addy and JoJo loved the most about Daddy was that he was always joking and making them laugh.

Unequivocally, Richie deeply loved his four children, loved his extended family, and loved to laugh. His proudest accomplishment was being a father.

The hole left by his absence is impossible to fill; however, his faith and hope in the resurrection to life in Paradise was unwavering and will sustain us until we meet again!

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 4 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2106-B Salem Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23456.