Rafael Antonio "Rafa" Alvarado

Rafael Alvarado passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale in the presence of his loving family.

He was born June 12, 1965 La Union, El Salvador; and he came to Lake Wales from Winter Haven in 1997. He was a banquet captain for The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Orlando and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was very active as a coach and supporter in the Lake Wales youth sports, including the Lake Wales Little League, baseball and softball, the Lake Wales Soccer Club and the Florida Baseball Academy.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Amy Blackburn Alvarado; two daughters, Lauren Alvarado and Amanda Alvarado; two sons, Gerson Alvarado and Daniel Alvarado all of Lake Wales; parents, Rufino & Cristina Alvarado of Madisonville, TX; sisters, Abigail Gonzalez of Madisonville, TX and Sylvia Alvarado of El Salvador; brothers, Luis Alvarado of Madisonville, TX, Wilma Alvarado of El Salvador and Nelson Alvarado of Madisonville, TX; 21 nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, November 12, 2010 and the funeral service will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Lake Wales with Rev. Scott Markley and Rev. Pablo Dellepere officiating. Interment will follow at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Wales Little League.

To view the webcast of his service, please click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/175853

To view his tribute video, please click the link below:
http://videos.lifetributes.com/175114