Jordan Daniel Alvarez

With what would seem to be the best years of his life ahead of him, Jordan Alvarez’s bright light was extinguished much too soon. He was a young man who was proud of his heritage and treasured the family who so greatly enriched his life. Jordan loved to laugh and thought nothing was better than sharing that laughter with those around him. A true gift to those who loved him, Jordan’s family and friends will consider themselves blessed for having been given such a remarkable young man to love, even if only for a moment in time.

As the 1990s dawned, America was moving forward with great hopes for the future. It was in 1990 that the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union came to a close while numerous young servicemen and women were serving in the Gulf War in Iraq. This was the year that the Hubble Telescope was put into orbit, The Simpsons debuted on television from coast to coast, and the nation said goodbye to Jim Henson. It was a year of great celebration for Cristina Alvarez and Julio Abreu as they welcomed their son, Jordan Daniel, into their hearts on October 9th. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jordan was raised by his mother.

Jordan grew up on the east side of Milwaukee during the first half of his formative years and during the latter half of his life, Jordan lived on the south side of the city. Known as the “City of Festivals,” Milwaukee is home to primarily ethnically themed festivals throughout the summer, and the western shores of Lake Michigan provide the perfect backdrop. Jordan also lived for a very short time in Florida where he often helped out in the neighborhood by cutting the grass. He was so proud of his heritage that was 75 percent Puerto Rican and 25 percent Mexican. Jordan attended local schools where he was a good student who was naturally intelligent. He found himself in a bit of trouble as he went through his early teen years and as a result, Jordan dropped out of school during his 10th grade year.

Those who knew Jordan were easily drawn to him since he was so easy to love. He enjoyed making people laugh and it was not uncommon for him to pull a good-hearted prank on his family and friends a time or two. Jordan was also not afraid of hard work, either. He often did some yard work for people in the neighborhood, earning some spending money here and there. Jordan later worked for a local roofing and siding company, helping with some of their workload or cleaning up job sites.

With his free time, Jordan was usually one to keep busy. He liked playing video games, but it was the people in his life who were usually his focus. Jordan enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend and cousin, and also with his mother and sister. Christmas was always a special time to Jordan, especially last Christmas. Last year was marked with a big celebration at home and an even bigger New Year’s Eve party at his grandmother’s home.

Life took a tragic turn for Jordan and those who loved him when he was attacked while in a store on November 8th. He sustained a life-threatening head injury and was taken to St. Luke’s Medical Center where he was unable to overcome his injuries.

There are times when life seems unfair and we are left wondering where to turn. The family and friends of Jordan Alvarez were dealt a devastating blow when their loved one was taken from them when he should have had so many years left to live. Jordan was a hard working young man with a heartfelt laugh that was usually passed on to so many others. Jordan will be dearly missed while his memory will be forever treasured.

Jordan Daniel Alvarez died on November 14, 2010. Jordan’s family includes his parents, Christina Alvarez & Julio Abreu; sisters, Precious Alvarez, Marianna Abreu, Isabella Abreu, & Julissa Abreu; brother, Angel Abreu; grandparents, Mary and Daniel Zueck, Maria Galarza, and Victor Huyke; great-grandparents, Carmen Galarza, Maria Troche, Aurora Santiago, Fausto Delgado, & Maria Santiago. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.