Mitchel Alfaro

Age 87, loving father to Michael Alfaro Anthony, Denise Merchant, Jody Ward, Lisa Doherty, and Earl Alfaro; and former husband of Dorothy Ann Dalian who preceded him in death.  Former husband of Shirley Alfaro-Brewer, step father to Thomas and James Muir; preceded in death by step daughter Deborah McCaffery.  Loving brother to Herbert Alfaro and the late Helen Hebel, Connie Williams, and Ricardo Alfaro.  Navy veteran of WWII, gifted architect, musician, and lover of the arts.

Over a near 60-year career as an architect he leaves behind many beautiful and practical buildings -- among them the Harper-Webber Hospital, the Southgate Public Library, VFW Post 345 and the Ford Motor Company Sheldon Road Plant – as well as hundreds of commercial building renovations and private residences.  There are very few cities and suburbs in the southeastern Michigan area that do not have a building that was designed or renovated in his epic career as an architect.

He was also a sought-after musician during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, with his talent in both the jazz guitar and the double-bass.   Before the age of iTunes and disc jockeys live music was in demand all over  Southeastern Michigan region so he played with many big bands and jazz quartets in such places as varied in audiences as Tiger Stadium, the Roostertail and the clubhouse of the Filipino-American Club.   He had a special fondness for Latin and French jazz musicians and could play the jazz classics in an entertaining way. 

Most of all he conveyed his mastery and love for the arts to his children; whose lives are enriched by his artistic influence and love.  He will be missed by his brother Herbert Alfaro, eight children and stepchildren, seventeen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held  Tuesday from 2-8pm at

Fred Wood Funeral Home-Rice Chapel 36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan) .

Funeral Wednesday gathering 10am, service 11am at the funeral home.

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