(From The Orange County Register - Sunday, March 25, 2012)

Albert Anthony Alves, March 7, 1923 - March 17, 2012

Al Alves, a loving family man, successful architect and World War II veteran died March 17, 2012 at his Orange, CA home. He was 89. The cause of death was congestive heart failure. Mr. Alves grew up in Hayward, CA before serving in the United States Air Force from February 1943 to October 1945 in World War II. He was stationed in Hardwick, England and was a radio operator on a B-24H Liberator plane named "Bonnie Lee" as part of the 8th Air Force. He flew on 33 missions during the war.

Upon returning from his military service, he attended the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor of Architecture degree and met the love of his life and future wife, Martha Spratt. Mr. Alves moved to Orange County in 1959 and was a partner in a newly-formed architectural firm named GPRA after the four founding partners: Grillias, Pirc, Rosier and Alves. GPRA went on to plan and design numerous high profile projects, including various buildings at his alma mater, USC. GPRA's most notable buildings at USC include the current USC Bookstore, Grace Ford Salvatore Hall and Heritage Hall, home of all of USC's Heisman and National Championship Trophies. Al was an avid USC football fan and a season ticket holder since 1947.

Mr. Alves is survived by Martha Alves, his wife of nearly 60 years; by four children, Tony Alves of Foothill Ranch, CA, Trese Simmons of Irvine, CA, Cindie Selva of Newport Coast, CA and Chris Alves of Orange, CA; and by 12 grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
A memorial service will be held at La Purisima Catholic Church in Orange, CA at 10 am on Saturday, March 31st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Augie's Quest in memory of Al Alves (9990 Mesa Rim Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121) or online at www.augiesquest.org/alves

Return To Previous Page

Return To Home Page