LEO ALVARADO, JR
1939 to 2009
The Honorable Leopoldo Alvarado, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 5, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 23, 1939 to Maria del Refugio Farias de Alvarado and Leopoldo Alvarado, Sr.
A lifetime resident of San Antonio, Leo grew up on Perez St. and was educated at Christ the King Elementary School by the Cordi Marian Sisters. He attended CentralCatholic High School then graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1958. He served in the United States Air Force before earning a bachelor's degree in political science and accounting from St. Mary's University. In 1974 he received his law degree from St. Mary's School of Law.
As a lifelong community activist, Leo helped organize the J.F.K. Community Forum, which opened the way for the war on poverty agencies in West San Antonio. He served as a consultant to the Inner City Apostolate, a director of the Mexican American Unity Council, a director of Project H.A.V.E (Health and Viable Economics), a vice-chairman of the Bexar County Hospital District Board of Directors, and was instrumental in the first Mexican-American owned McDonald's franchise. As a well respected and prominent attorney, Leo handled many complex injury, and public interest cases. One notable case he was involved in was Edgewood ISD vs. San Antonio ISD, et al., where the central issue involved redistribution of wealth from richer to poorer school districts. This case was fought all the way to the United States Supreme Court, later argued in the Texas Supreme Court, and was made into law called "the Robin Hood laws" by the Texas Legislature resulting in better education for poorer communities.
He was a partner in Weir & Alvarado, P.C. with Warren Weir, and later Alvarado & Alvarado, P.L.L.C. with daughter, Rosemarie Alvarado-Hawkins. Elected in 1992 to the Texas House of Representatives, the Honorable Leo Alvarado, Jr. served the people of Bexar County's District 116 with distinction for 8 years. During his tenure he served as the Chairman of the Freshman House Caucus and on various influential committees, such as House Administration, State Affairs and Civil Practices. Keenly attuned to the needs of his constituents he presented for the consideration of his colleagues a prolific package of legislation.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and sister Yolanda Marie Alvarado. He is survived by his brother, Carlos Roberto Alvarado, first wife Gloria Acosta Farias and their son, Dr. Leopoldo Alvarado Acosta III, his second wife Charlene Jean Alvarado and their children Rosemarie Alvarado-Hawkins, Christina Lisa Alvarado Morales, Miguel Antonio Alvarado, Carlos Andres Alvarado; and four grandchildren, Maria Antonieta Marlene Alvarado Castillejos, Sharet Cristina Alvarado Castillejos, Evangeline Raquel Hawkins and Chloe Elise Hawkins.
His other joys included quality family time, hunting, fishing, playing guitar, cooking, painting, gardening, and traveling. Among all things, Leo will mostly be remembered as a man who put his family first before all else. He was a committed, loving, caring, and cherished father!