Alvaro Plautre Moraga

On Saturday, December 5, 2021, Alvaro P. Moraga passed away peacefully at the Age of 101. He was lovingly cared for by several members of his family for two weeks of hospice. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Antonia Zarate Moraga who passed in 1945. Also preceded by infant son, Lance Stephan in 1947; and then his wife, Sylvia Rodarte Moraga, who passed in 2012 after 65 years of marriage.

Alvaro was born on Saturday, December 20, 1919, to Rose Angelie Plautre Moraga and Abran Sisneros Moraga in Albuquerque. Alvaro was a 1937 graduate of Albuquerque High School. Soon after graduation he joined the New Mexico National Guard, Second Battalion of the 120th Engineer Division from Fort Sill Oklahoma. Alvaro proudly trained and served his country at various military posts stateside and overseas from September 1940 through June 1945 with the 45th Infantry Division (The Thunderbirds). As First Sergeant with Company A, 120th Engineer Combat Battalion in World War II, serving in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany, participating in eight campaigns. Returning home in 1945 until 1947 when he continued his career with the US Army and in 1950 to 1951 served in three campaigns in the Korean Conflict as a First Sergeant and Sergeant Major of the 402nd Quartermaster Batallion. From 1960 to 1961 he served with the Military Assistance Advisory Group in Saigon, Vietnam. He then returned to Ft Bliss Texas and was Sgt Major of the 46th Field Artillery Group. He was next assigned to the US Army Defense School in an administrative capacity until retirement from the US Army in July 1963. He was twice decorated with Army Commendation Medals and received numerous service medals during his 21 years of military service to his country. Next, he began a career with the US Government Civil Service and worked for the US Post Office, Atomic Service Commission, Department of the Army at Fort Bliss, Texas, the Defense Nuclear Agency and lastly with the Air Force Contract Management Division at Kirtland AF Base in Albuquerque, finally retiring from civil service June of 1968.

As devout Catholics, he and Sylvia were members of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Alvaro was a lifelong member of Woodmen of the World and Veterans of Foreign Wars, a longtime blood donor, and was active in military reunions enjoyed researching the history of the 45th Infantry Division Association and the 120th Engineer Combat Battalion. Alvaro is survived by his son, Robert and his wife, Claudia; granddaughters, Patricia and Stephanie and husband, Curtis McHaley; two great-grandsons, Chris Moraga, Wesley Mchaley; and great-granddaughter, Lydia. In October of 2021, great-great-grandson, Jose Pablo Alvaro Flores was born to Lydia and Pablo Flores. Also, from stepdaughter, Mary Helen Chaves there are great-granddaughters, Anna Trujillo, Elizabeth Ortega, Kathy Madrid, Mary Lou Garcia, Pamela Chaves, and son Chris Chaves. Alvaro leaves behind a numerous dedicated, longtime friends and neighbors in Los Ranchos of Albuquerque where he maintained residence for over 70 years. Much appreciation is extended to his caretaker Peggy Carter who also assisted Mom Sylvia in her final years.

A Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2021, 8:00 a.m., with a Mass to follow at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 4th St NW. A Graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Pall Bearers will be Chris Moraga, Wes McHaley, Curtis McHaley, Chris Chaves, Joe Padilla, and Pablo Flores.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Folds of Honor Foundation or a charity of your choice.