Restoring Headstones in San Antonio: A Local Man’s Mission
Death is a certainty in life, and for many, the experience of walking around a cemetery or attending a funeral can be both confusing and solemn. San Antonio native Joe Alvarez has made it his mission to revive the memories of those laid to rest in local cemeteries by restoring neglected headstones.
As a child, Alvarez’s interest in tombstones was not born out of a fascination with death, but rather a curiosity about the history and stories behind the people buried beneath them. Four years ago, while visiting a family member’s gravesite, he noticed that some of the headstones in the cemetery were neglected and in disrepair, appearing as if they had not been visited in decades.
Alvarez took it upon himself to learn how to clean and restore his family’s headstones, and soon expanded his efforts to include other aging headstones at San Fernando II Cemetery. Located off Cupples and Castroville Road, Alvarez has since cleaned hundreds of headstones in the cemetery, all completely free of charge.
For Alvarez, this restoration effort is not just a hobby—it’s a duty as a Catholic. He believes that as Catholics, they are obligated to help those in need, even in death. Walking around the Marianist Cemetery on the campus of St. Mary’s University, Alvarez noticed the dilapidation of many headstones belonging to retired Marianist priests and brothers.
The Marianist Cemetery, founded in the early 1900s, is home to over 300 brothers buried there. Alvarez formed a connection with Br. Edward J. Loch, the residence garden keeper, who settled at the retirement residence on campus. Moved by the deteriorating state of the tombstones, Alvarez offered to clean them using a specific product called D2.
D2 is a biodegradable liquid that effectively removes stains caused by biological growth on surfaces like marble, granite, and limestone—common materials used for headstones. Alvarez’s commitment to restoring these headstones goes beyond just cleaning; it’s about preserving the memory and history of those who have passed.
Alvarez’s cleaning process is meticulous and time-consuming, with some headstones taking up to a year or two to fully restore depending on the level of staining. Once cleaned, the maintenance becomes easier, as dirt and rain help wash away any remaining debris. For Alvarez, the cemeteries he visits are like museums, full of stories waiting to be discovered and preserved.
Preservation of History and Memory
Alvarez’s fascination with genealogy dates back to his childhood, where he would spend hours researching the stories behind the people buried in cemeteries. He views these final resting places as museums of history, each headstone telling a unique story waiting to be uncovered.
His goal in restoring these headstones is not just to preserve the physical markers of those who have passed, but to ensure that their memories live on for future generations. By meticulously cleaning and maintaining these headstones, Alvarez is paying homage to the lives and legacies of those who came before us.
Community Impact and Continued Support
Alvarez’s selfless dedication to restoring headstones in San Antonio has not gone unnoticed. His efforts have had a profound impact on the local community, bringing attention to the importance of preserving our shared history and heritage. Through his work, Alvarez has not only revived the memories of those laid to rest but has also inspired others to take action in preserving their own local cemeteries.
As a testament to his commitment, Alvarez continues to offer his services free of charge, relying on donations and support from the community to fund his restoration projects. His partnership with the Marianist community at St. Mary’s University serves as a shining example of collaboration and mutual respect for our shared history.
In conclusion, Joe Alvarez’s mission to restore headstones in San Antonio is a labor of love and a testament to the power of preserving our collective memory. Through his efforts, he has not only revitalized neglected cemeteries but has also honored the lives and legacies of those who have passed. As we walk among the headstones, may we remember the stories they hold and the people they represent, ensuring that their memories endure for generations to come.
