It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Sr. Dr. Fernando E. Alvarez.

Fernando was an icon in the Latin American community in New York City and he fought against discrimination for over sixty years.

Fernando was born in Las Villas, Cuba on May 30th, 1928 to his parents Candita and Antonio Alvarez-Lorenzo. He attended the University of Havana and earned a Doctorate degree in both Political Science and International Law. His tireless efforts to support the Latin American community earned him the respect and admiration of his clients and peers. Fernando was recognized by His Royal Highness, Juan Carlos, the King of Spain and was awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Queen Isabella, the Royal Order of Alphonse X and the order of the Civil Merit of Spain.

Fernando was granted an honorary citizenship in the cities of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Austin Texas.

Fernando was also recognized by the Republican Party and was appointed to two presidential commissions under President Richard Nixon. Fernando was voted the "Personality of the Year" by the Latin American Hall of Fame, "Outstanding Personality of Hispanic America" by the newspaper "El Mundo", "Outstanding Citizen of the Spanish Community" by the newspaper "Ultima Hora", "Most Distinguished Professional of the Bicentennial" by the newspaper "Ultima Hora" and he was awarded the trophy and diploma as the "Most Prominent International Jurist of Spanish America".

Fernando is survived by his wife Theresa, his sister Zenaida, his brother Antonio, his six children Cynthia, Raymond, Freddy, Alex, Christina, Russell and 16 grandchildren. Fernando was one of the most interesting, learned and loved personalities of the twentieth century and he will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday morning at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 21 Benton Ave., Walton, NY, with the Rev. Edward Golding, officiating. Burial will be at Grove Church Cemetery, North Bergen, NJ on Monday afternoon at 1 PM.