Jose M. "Joey" Alvarez

Jose “Joey” M. Alvarez, III, of Smithton, IL, was born on April 29, 1952, in East St. Louis, IL.  On May 16, 2022, Joey found his resting peace and joined a heavenly choir.  The heart is a maker of music.  Like a metronome, a heart keeps a beat.  Like a song, a heart has rhythm.  Like an anthem, a heart guides our morals and reminds of what is truly important.  And like a lullaby, a heart can help us find a resting peace.

Since childhood, Joey was a hard worker, first getting a job as a paperboy and then working at the J&E Market on 40th and Waverly, which began his career in grocery stores.  Later, Joey worked for National Food Store before becoming co-owner of A&B Bi-Rite in Caseyville and Washington Park Bi-Rite.  Drawn to law enforcement at a young age, Joey rose to the rank of sergeant in the Washington Park Police Department and served as a police patrolman with Maryville Police Department before becoming police chief in Caseyville, Illinois, later in life.  Joey spent a career as an investigator in the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, was a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, Deputy Coroner of St. Clair County, and was a partner in Process Services, Inc.  Joey’s work as a victim witness advocate was particularly meaningful, as he provided support and care to countless individuals and families in the justice system.  Joey also served as the President of the Fraternal Order of Police for Lodge #108 and Lodge #262.  Ever the hardworking type, Joey also served as a security guard at Oz Night Club, the Alton Belle Casino, Panama Jax Night Club, and Fairmount Racetrack during his long career in blue.

Joey’s love for justice was only rivaled by his passion for music.  He was the owner and operator of Music Master Entertainment, having DJ’ed at countless weddings, birthday’s, fundraisers, and celebrations.  His beloved New Year’s Eve Party was an annual tradition, and he won awards for his volunteer work with Cops for Kids.  In his spare time, Joey managed the St. Clair County State’s Attorney softball team. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as the St. Louis Blues.  Joey also loved animals and had a special gift with dogs (who adored him).  Always quick with a joke or a great story, Joey was loved by many, from family members to family friends to longtime colleagues.  He cherished his daughter and granddaughters more than anything, and some of his happiest memories in recent years involved supporting his granddaughters at their dance competitions, their shared love of music on full display.  The beautiful music lives on in the heartbeat of Joey’s great-grandbaby due in October 2022, for which he was overjoyed. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose M. Jr., and Shirley M. nee Harris Alvarez.

Joey is survived by his beloved daughter, Tina Stone, nee Alvarez; his granddaughters, Taylor (Brendan) Hand and Sydney Stone; his siblings, Sherry (Jim) Mourey, Anthony J. (Donna) Alvarez, Laura Alvarez, and Lynne (Jon) Grindstaff.  Joey is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish “Uncle Joey” as well as countless family and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will also be held on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. with funeral services starting at 1:30 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Chris Singleton officiating.  Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jose M. "Joey" Alvarez, please visit our floral store.