Benigno "Benny" Alvarez

Benigno "Benny" Alvarez, 70, of Zion, Illinois passed away on May 23, 2024 surrounded by his family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Benny was born on June 30, 1953 in Guanajuato, Mexico the son of Antonio and Rafela (Moreno) Alvarez. He married Olga on June 6, 1975 in Waukegan, IL. Together they worked hard and owned Alvarez Grand Liquor and Grand Slam in Waukegan for over 20 years. Benny was known to be the life of the party, always having stories to tell, and always talking to friends for hours at the grocery store. He enjoyed being around horses and animals reminding him of the farms in Mexico. Benny's ultimate love was for his friends and family, and wife.

Survivors include his children, Isidro (Agnes) Valdez, Juan Peña, Diana Alvarez, BenignoAlvarez II, and Jose (Rudy) Alvarez; grandchildren, Jennifer (Alberto) Rivera, Michael Peña, Pedro Martinez, Raymond Garza, Benigno Alvarez III, Denali Alvarez, and Mia Alvarez; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Maria Elena (Rodrigo), Jose Luis (Natalia), Antonio (Lupe), Patricia (Paco), German (Chepa), and Eduardo (Chepina) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Benny is preceded in death by his wife, Olga; and parents. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 508 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085. Burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL.  A luncheon will take place at the Zion-Benton Moose following the cemetery services.