Joseph “Joe” Martin Alves Jr., born in Merced, California, on March 24, 1936, passed away peacefully in Madera, California on Aug. 17, 2025, at the age of 89. Joe was a man of many passions and deep-rooted values. He found great pride in his work as a beekeeper, a craft he nurtured with care and passed down to his children. He was a devoted family man, and his love for nature, music, and culture shaped the rhythm of his life.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeannel Alves, and their daughter Jeannel “Carolyn”. He is also survived by his first wife, Petra Alves, and their children: Thomas, Catherine, Johnny, Joseph III, and Juanita. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to many.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at 2 p.m., at First Christian Church in Madera, California. Joe was loved by many and gave love freely in return. His legacy lives on in every story told, every bee cared for, and every song played under the open sky.