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John Edward Alvares, 57, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025 surrounded by his family and so much love. John was born in Patterson, CA on June 9, 1968. He grew up in Hughson and attended high school in Hughson and Hilmar, CA. John lived in Merced County most of his adult life, where he raised his three daughters. John’s first job was at a dairy when he was about 12 years old. He spent the rest of his life working in the dairy industry whether that was managing dairy farms, farming for dairies, brokering hay, or selling farming equipment. He knew everything there was to know about farming and he was good at it. Whenever work got too stressful, he found relief driving tractors. John loved tractors and operating heavy machinery. He also loved taking his dogs Charlie and Newt to work with him where he would watch them run around and swim on the farm; they were his best friends. Growing up and in his 20s, John loved riding horses with his mom. He rode in 4-H horse shows as a kid and worked as a cowboy at the roping arena in Newman while in high school and later on a rodeo circuit. In his free time, John loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He owned enough camping gear and yeti ice chests to support a small army. John loved to cook. He showed up to every event or family function with more than enough food, and options too. Most of all, he loved being a dad and sharing his hobbies with his kids. He always showed up to his girls’ sporting events with jokes, a BBQ, snacks, and a cooler full of Gatorade for the team. He would FaceTime his daughters at least multiple times per week, if not multiple times per day, whether it was a 60-second call just to see what they were up to or a 60-minute call. A lot of people had their phone minutes run up by John; he was always on the phone and loved talking to people. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Dan and Jeannie Carpenter and Joe and Maria Alvares, his step grandfather Don Reed, and his Uncle Tony Alvares. John is survived by his three daughters Madison, Courtney, and Lauren; his sons-in-law, AJ, Samuel, and Aaron; and two grandsons Nathan (Madison) and John (Courtney, due Nov 29). He was the son of Melony Reed, Terry Reed (stepfather), and John Alvares. He also leaves behind his step grandmother, Lois Reed; siblings and siblings-in-law, Lisa, Harold, Gena, Lonnie, Leanne, Ashley, and Nicole; his nieces and nephews, Taylor, Dani, Abby, Megan, Lily x2, Wyatt, and Ezra; his great nephews Beau and James; and his cousins, Steven, Chris, Rosie, and many more. A memorial for John will be held at 10am on Friday, November 14, at Turlock Funeral Home. A luncheon is to follow. All are welcome; please share this information with anyone who knew him. Donations to fund the John Alvares Memorial Agricultural Scholarship will be accepted in place of flowers. To make a donation please bring cash, a check payable to Lauren Alvares, or contact Lauren at lauren.alvares@outlook.com.

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John Edward Alvares

June 9, 1968 - October 31, 2025