Alvin George Chevalier Jr.

Our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 20, 2017 at his residence, with his family by his side, at the age of 87 years. Alvin was born on February 24, 1930 to the late Alvin G. and Marie H. (Klosowski) Chevalier in Bay City. He married the former Grace J. Militello on February 11, 1961 Alvin proudly served his country in the US Navy serving aboard the USS Allagash AO 97 from 1952-1956 during the Korean War. He retired from the US Navy Reserve after 28 years of service as a Chief Petty Officer. He worked for Valley Roofing as a tinsmith/coppersmith and retired from GM Powertrain after 28 years. He also worked for Schreiber Construction Company as a Superintendent of Construction and was an Amway representative.
Alvin was President of the Ushers Club at St. Joseph Church where he was a member for fifty years. He also was Associate President for Michigan Alpha Delta Kappa International, member of VFW Post 6950 (Trustee), The American Legion, NRA, and was a charter member of the Bay City Bowman. Alvin was also designated an "honorary" member of the St. Anne Society of St. Joseph Church. As a member of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, it was a proud day when he witnessed the long awaited USS Edson sail into Bay City.
He loved hunting, fishing, archery, bowling, racing, building furniture and homes, skiing, working on his old car with Zac, traveling and playing Euchre with his buddy Tony. He also designed and made Mountain Dulcimers. Alvin loved sailing with the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club and trips to the casino. Most of all he loved being with his family, driving cheerleaders, pompon, basketball, volleyball teams for All Saints High School where his daughters attended.
Al had a zest for life, and loved people. His final salute was to his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He told them that he loved them, was proud of them, and that because of them, he had a wonderful life. He remembered all of the wonderful moments he shared with them through the years, and thanked each and every one of them for being a part of his life. He was able to convey this message powerfully and distinctly to the emotional listeners.

Surviving are his loving wife Grace; daughters, Selina Marie (Jonathan) Hayden, Anne Marie (Timothy) Filsinger, Greta Marie (Russ) Woodiwiss and Rita Marie (Jeremy) Gnida; grandchildren, Allen Dale Hoffman III, Marc Alvin Hoffman, Katherine Grace Filsinger, Jacqueline Rose Filsinger, Raegan Marie Woodiwiss, Emilia Rose Gnida, Isabella Caroline Gnida, Liliana Madeline Gnida, Gabriel and Garrett Hayden and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Clara (Don) Besaw; brother, Donald (Judy) Chevalier; father and mother-in-law, James V. and Rose Militello and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Our Lady of Peace Parish. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Richard M. Filary followed by military honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A rosary will take place on Friday at 3:00 p.m. by the St. Anne's Society of the St. Joseph Church. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Alvin will be taken to the church to lie in state on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to the wishes of the family; which will be distributed to the many charities of his choice.

The family wishes to thank McLaren Skilled Nursing Care, Caretel, Hospice (particularly Becky, Wendy, Lindsay, Christe, Nicole, Tiffany) and others who administered such tender, loving care in his hour of need. Also to the Bangor Township Fire Department for the many times they assisted. We are also eternally grateful for family and friends too numerous to mention for their constant generosity and support during this difficult time. He also enjoyed a special friendship with Delma and Lester Rathbun (and his whole Rhode Island family) Rosanne, Gerry, Joanie, Neno/Pat, Chuck/Marylee, Jim/Jan and Sam and Tony.