Jesus Manuel Alvarez, known fondly to most as “Chico” or “Al,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Elison of Bella Vita in Venice, Florida, just five days shy of his 87th birthday. Born in Havana, Cuba, Chico’s life was a remarkable journey defined by courage, curiosity, friendship, and flavor.From humble beginnings as a shoeshine boy at the Havana airport, Chico’s story became one of bold opportunity and global adventure. In 1957, he immigrated to the United States, working for Brown Swiss cattleman Paul (and Leota) Dirkson – a leap of faith that would shape the rest of his life. In 1957, he met his future wife Georgianna Wiese in the cattle barn at the Indiana State Fair. Georgianna, an Allen County, Indiana Fair Queen was visiting the barn when their paths crossed – a fitting beginning of a love story rooted in agriculture, hard work, and shared values. They married in 1960 and together they settled in Marysville, Ohio, where they raised their five children - Nacrina, Ricky, Randall, Roland, and John. Although they parted ways, later in life they reconciled with love and respect, honoring the family and life they built together.In the 1960s, Al and Georgianna proudly brought his family from Cuba to join them in the United States, ensuring new opportunity and freedom for those he loved the most.Chico flourished professionally with the Nestlé Company, where his creativity and work ethic carried him across the globe. He traveled extensively developing coffee products and other innovations - including pumpkin products, chocolate, tea, and a multitude more – working in Europe, South America and across the United States. The friendships he formed around the world lasted a lifetime and the stories he shared from those adventures were legendary.For almost 50 years, he shared his life with Ellen Scotti, building a relationship rooted in friendship and shared adventure. Through decades of travel, laughter, and everyday moments, theirs was a bond that brought him companionship and joy. Since 2023, Ellen enjoys living with her beautiful children on the East Coast.Chico never met a stranger. He had a rare gift for connection - conversation came easily, laughter followed naturally and friendships formed quickly. He was also an elegant dancer. Whether at work, in his neighborhood or halfway across the world, he left a lasting impression.In the 1970s and 80s, he took to the skies, flying his beloved Aircoupe airplane, embracing the freedom and thrill of aviation. His love for adventure also carried him onto the water. He purchased a 42-foot concrete sailboat, proudly sailing it out of Port Clinton, Ohio, on Lake Erie. He also participated in boating regattas stretching from Galveston, TX to Veracruz, Mexico - always drawn to the wind, waves, and the promise of the horizon.An excellent cook, Chico expressed his love most memorably through food. His black beans and rice were a family favorite – a delicious reminder of his Cuban roots and his generous heart. Around his table stories flowed, laughter echoed, and no one ever left hungry.He retired in the 1990s and, in 2001, built his retirement home in Venice, Florida. There, he developed many close friendships, including his dearest friend Vicki (and her family), and became a cherished member of the Southwest Florida community.Chico was most proud to be an American citizen. He embraced the opportunities this country gave him and worked throughout his life to contribute and make our nation a better place to live – through his work, his friendships, his generosity, and his unwavering belief in possibility.From October 4, 2023, Chico made his home at Elison of Bella Vita in Venice, Florida. He loved the staff, especially the nurses and technicians who supported him daily, and he delighted in the wonderful meals prepared by chefs. He also enjoyed his physical, occupational, and speech therapists and treasured his many experiences with the residents. His family is extremely grateful for the incredible care, kindness, and warmth provided, helping to create a safe environment for him. Although in Heaven, the residents and staff honored him by celebrating his 87th birthday on February 26th.He is survived by his five children – Nacrina Alvarez Blanco of Columbus, Ricky (and Kristie) of Marysville, Randall “Randy” of Marysville, Roland “Rolly” of Columbus, and John (and Trina) of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He is also survived by his grandsons Joshua, Bryant, Drew, Gabe, Chase, and Peyton and a great-granddaughter Elowyn Rose, as well as four step-grandchildren Gisselle, Julio, Roger, and Eduardo and three step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and a great great-niece in Spain and Cuba.He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel Alvarez Acosta and Amada Rosa Polier Trejo, a brother Osvaldo, a sister Luz Divina, a brother Raul, sister-in-law Lola, brother-in-law Steven, nephew Lizardo, and his treasured grandson, Nathan. He leaves behind extended family and countless friends across the continents.His life was one of resilience, adventure, and deep human connection. From Havana to Ohio, from Europe to South America, from the skies above to the waters below, he lived fully and boldly. His legacy lives on in the stories told, the friendships cherished, and every pot of black beans and rice made in his honor.Al knew Christ as his Lord and Savior and looked forward with joy to joining the Saints in Heaven. He did not know a stranger – and to know him was to be fortunate.His family will greet friends from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Underwood Funeral Home, 703 E. 5th St., Marysville, OH. A celebration of life service will follow there at 5 p.m., with Rev. Jacob D. Heino officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any United Way of your choosing or you can donate to the United Way of Central Ohio via this link: https://liveunitedcentralohio.org/donate/.Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Venice, Florida assisted the family.Underwood Funeral Home of Marysville is honored to serve Al’s family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.UnderwoodFuneralHome.com.