Obituary of Anthony Alva

Anthony Joseph Alva died on Saturday, March 12, 2016 with the loving support of his family and friends around him. Anthony "Tony" was born on July 13, 1933, to Kitty Karrak-Alva in Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in Vinegar Hill, NY where he met lifelong friends. In 1954, Tony joined the Army in the Eleventh Airborne Paratroopers. In 1959, he started as a New York City firefighter. While working through the ranks up to Captain, he started the Sixth Division Line of Duty Death Fund. During his 31 years, he retired as a highly decorated Captain of the FDNY. Tony enjoyed all sports and coached the New York City Sandlot Football team and won eight city championships in his nine years coaching. He was a past president and one of the founders of the North Rockland Social Club. He is predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Ann. He is survived by his second wife, Pat and his three children: Trish Neary, John and wife, Mary, Jimmy and wife, Geralyn, and eleven grandchildren: Noelle, Laura, Anthony, Christopher, Sean, Nicholas, Michael, Julie, Colleen, Tommy, and Billy. Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 14th and also from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15th at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home, 71N Central Highway, Garnerville, NY. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday March 16th at Saint Gregory Barbarigo R.C. Church on 21 Cinder Road, Garnerville NY. Following the Funeral Mass, Anthony will be laid to rest at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Monsey, NY. Arrangements by the T. J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home, Garnerville, NY, 845-429-2130.