This week, our city lost a true visionary with the passing of Carlos E. Alvarez. Carlos was a valued member of our community and a cherished United Way volunteer and supporter.
Born in Mexico, Carlos spent his formative years in Acapulco where his father ran a Corona distributorship in the 1940s. Carlos would join the business and become responsible for selling the first cases of Corona Extra in the U.S. in 1981. Five years later, he founded The Gambrinus Company in San Antonio and would drive Corona to become the top beer import in the U.S. In 1989, he acquired the Spoetzl Brewery, known for Shiner Bock and revitalized the brand to the staple that it is today.
Carlos was not just a prominent figure in the local business landscape, he was renowned for his entrepreneurial acumen and leadership skills. He played a pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation within San Antonio. His strategic vision and tireless work ethic earned him widespread respect among peers and industry professionals alike.
Carlos was deeply committed to giving back to his community through philanthropy and civic engagement. He was instrumental in supporting various charitable causes and nonprofit organizations, like United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, that strive to address pressing social issues and improve the quality of life for all in our city.
Carlos and his wife Malú generously contributed millions of dollars to many United Way initiatives aimed at promoting access to quality education, empowering families and providing essential services to those in need. He was an active member of the Tocqueville Society, sponsoring events and programs aimed at fostering like-minded philanthropists. Carlos also served on many committees, including United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council. In addition, Carlos was integral in creating an endowment with one of the founding gifts. It is without question that Alvarez demonstrated a profound dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.
Outside of his professional and philanthropic pursuits, Carlos was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his community. He cherished spending quality time with loved ones and was an advocate for preserving San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.
Carlos E. Alvarez’s life and work embody the true spirit of altruism and compassion. He will always be remembered as a respected figure and a driving force for positive change in San Antonio. His enduring dedication to making a meaningful impact will continue to serve as an inspiration to all.
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