AJ (Anthony Jerome) Alves
April 11, 1957 ~ November 28, 2013
PEAKS ISLAND - AJ (Anthony Jerome) Alves, honorary mayor of Peaks Island, 56, passed away quietly at his home on Thursday, November 28 after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. AJ, the son of Eugene Elizabeth Morrison-Alves, was born on April 11, 1957. He was the oldest of nine children and a lifelong resident of Peaks Island. AJ, being a 3rd generation of the island, never called any other place home. In his youth, AJ was a Boy Scout and an altar boy at St. Christopher's Church. He attended elementary school on Peaks Island. Soon after graduation from Portland High School AJ started working for the City of Portland Public Works. Throughout his 37 year career, AJ enjoyed providing service not only to Peaks Island, but the other Casco Bay Islands as well. During his career, AJ's goal was to work on Peaks and he accomplished this goal by becoming Supervisor of Island Services. AJ continued his service to Peaks Island through his seat on the Casco Bay Lines Board of Directors. He was a member of the Ocean Side Conservation Trust as well as a member of the Peaks Island fire call department for over 30 years. From the time of AJ's diagnosis, he considered himself very fortunate to have so many family and close friends and often stated this is just a bump in the road. AJ loved the outdoors, spending time with his black labs, family friends and most of all, he enjoyed being the keeper of Davies Cove. AJ was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Morrison-Alves and sister Bernadett (Bunny) Alves-Meuse. Surviving are his children Jess Jeremy Sherman, significant other, Patricia Kilmartin, father Eugue Alves of Zepherhills Fl, sister Jeanie Alves (husband Mark) of Peaks Island, Jerry Alves of South Portland, Nina Alves (husband Brendan) of Portland, Chris Alves (wife Michele) of Peaks Island, Fran Alves (husband Todd) of Gorham, Joe Alves (wife Corinna) of Uxbridge, MA Marcy Alves (husband Joe) of Peaks Island. 16 nieces nephews as well as a great neice and a great nephew. Visiting hours will be held from 3-7 p.m. Monday at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. A 10:15 a.m. Tuesday Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Christopher's Church, Central Avenue, Peaks Island. Interment will follow in Pond Grove Cemetery, Peaks Island. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in AJ's name to the Peaks Island Trust Fund C/O Maine Community Foundation, Suite 200 1 Monument Way, Portland, ME 04101.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Our deep sympathy to the Alves family extended Peaks Island family. AJ will be surely missed by both! May he rest in peace.
– Kay Cummings & David Johnston
Dear Alves family, Have been a friend of AJ for most of his and my life. I will dearly miss the site of that scraggly beard and train hat movin down the road on atv heaven with the salute off the brow while passing by. Had more than one discussion with him over this situation and continue to admire his attitude in the face of such adversity. He will be sorely missed by this island and by his close friends and long time acquaintances…farewell my friend.
– Bob Hughes
Our sincerest condolences to the Alves family and all friends of AJ. His smile and helping hand will be missed by all on Peaks. A special person who was loved by all.
– Kenworthy Family
Dear Alves Family: We are crushed to hear this news. AJ was an island legend and was great to us. A very sad passing for all of us. -Alex, Lisa (Markushewski), Maddy and Isabel Agnew
– Alex, Lisa, Maddy and Isabel Agnew
On behalf of all of the Great Falls School community, I send very deepest sympathies to our dear friend and valued colleague, Fran, and her entire family. Our wish for you is that soon your sorrow will be replaced by the fondest of memories, warming your hearts and bringing smiles to your faces.
– Jane Esty
To the entire Alves family My thoughts and prayers are with you all as these are the toughest times that any one can go through and I hope you can find peace during the mourning process. AJ was one of the nicest guys I had ever met and I remember when I went to work for the city just out of high school I had a couple of encounters with AJ and he was awesome and was always willing to help me. I took a maintenance job that was scheduled for three weeks over to the island and it was to install a new roof on the public works building over on peaks island and AJ would always come to the main land with the boat to pick us up and always make sure we always had what we needed to get through the day. a true gentlemen and as loyal as they come. Rest in Peace my friend and may you have eternal rest. Richie Ax Axelsen
– Richie "The Ax" Axelsen
The island will never be the same… I will miss seeing AJ driving down to Evergreen keeping watch on the spring flow of water down Brook Lane… AJ always had a smile and a wave for everyone.. Loving thoughts to all of the Alves family.
– Kathleen Martin Seymour
AJ and family, you are in our hearts and prayers. AJ’s good nature, kind words and good deeds have made Peaks Island a better place. We are fortunate to have had him in our lives, he will be missed but not forgotten. Are deepest sympathies, Bill, Marleen, Nancy and Christine
– Basil & Marleen Klosteridis
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Alves family as well as Island’s families the City family. AJ touched so many with his generosity and kindness. AJ’s spirit will forever be an inspiration, especially when things get rough. AJ always found a way to make me smile. He was, and remains one of my heros. Peace, Prayers and Blessings, Dawn
– Dawn & Paul Davidson
My thoughts and prayers go out to my dear friend Patty and AJ’s family. The memories I have of visiting Peak’s Island will always remain in my heart. God Bless you all.
– Tina Charpentier
I am deeply saddened by AJ’s passing. I have many, many great memories of AJ and I that are still to this day are as fresh as the day they happened. I still clearly remember the first time we met. I treasure them all. AJ’s dedication to his family, friends and community set a standard for us all to live by. I extend my deepest sympathies to all of the entire Alves family. Take my friend. I will miss you. Scott
– Scott Garman
I am filled with sorrow at your loss of AJ. My memories are sweet of this lovely man, especially when I lived on the island year round and worked at the Island Health Center. During the snowy weather, although my house was the only inhabitated one at the end of Sunset Road, AJ never failed to plough me out so I could get to work in the morning. He even shoveled my back deck so I could get out more easily. When thanked, he just gave that unique AJ grin which I carry in my mind always. My deepest sympathy to all the wonderful Alves family. Anne
– Anne M. Sarapas
Dear Alves family, We are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you sending thoughts of love peace. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared. XOXO
– Elizabeth & Maureen
Jeremy, I am sorry to hear about your dad passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
– Jen Stuart
My thoughts and pray for AJ And his family
– Henry Fontaine
I was saddened by the news of AJ’s passing. My heart felt condolences to all of the Alves’s and their wonderful families. Anyone who has spent anytime on Peaks Island will always have memories of AJ and his quiet ways. Rest in Peace Knowing that heaven has another angel
– Kathlyn A O’Toole
Aj will be missed by many but has left us all with a lot of wonderful memories. I have many memories of him at my house in his younger years. Always a very caring man and to his family I know how blessed you feel to have had his love and compassion in the short time that he was with you and most of all his spirit for life. My thoughts and prayers with all of you
– Beverly Foss