By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dr. Alvarez

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - While most Americans spend the Fourth of July celebrating American independence, Dr. Beda P. Alvarez - for the past four years - celebrated something more personal.

On July 4, 1998, doctors at University Hospital gave him a new heart.

Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in 1991, the family practice physician fought his disease - in which the heart muscles become inflamed - without leaving his medical practice.

"Everybody loved him," said his wife of 41 years, Terry Alvarez of Anderson Township. "When one patient found out he was sick, he wanted to bring us food. He had remembered what a good doctor he had been to him."

Dr. Alvarez died Thursday at University Hospital. The longtime Anderson Township resident was 67.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Dr. Alvarez studied medicine at the University of Santa Tomas before coming to Cincinnati in 1962 for his residency at Drake Memorial Hospital. Four years later he returned to the Philippines. He returned to Cincinnati in 1971 after he earned his medical degree.

The family lived in Delhi Township for a short time before moving to Anderson Township. He never retired. Most of his career was spent as a family practice doctor in his office in Newport.

Known for throwing an annual summer party for about 300 friends, he was also active in the Filipino Association of Southern Ohio, an organization that promotes Filipino culture.

Dr. Alvarez also derived great pleasure from his nine grandchildren.

"The house was always so loud and busy on the weekends but he wouldn't have it any other way," his wife said.

In addition to his wife and grandchildren, survivors include five sons, Dr. Beda of Beaufort, S.C.; Dr. Wade and Bradley, both of Anderson Township, Dr. Brian of Dayton, Randy of West Chester, and Brandon of the Philippines; two daughters, Tracy Alvarez of Anderson Township and Shirline Miller of West Chester; two sisters, Dr. Nina Baluyot of Hyde Park and Suzy Hussey of Anderson Township; and a brother, Alex of Anderson Township.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. today at T.P White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Mount Washington. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Guardian Angels Church, 6531 Beechmont Ave., Mount Washington. There is no burial.

Memorials may be made to Change of Heart, c/o Don Burke, president, 2602 Canterbury, Cincinnati, OH 45237.

E-mail: nhamilton@enquirer.com