Albert R. Olvera, Jr., 59, also known as Old School and Big Al, resident of Galveston, Texas, passed away Thursday, September 23, 2010. He was born in Galveston on June 27, 1951. He was a devoted father, husband, son, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Old School was a jack of all trades, a true handyman, and he loved to collect many things. Novelty knives and hats were his specialty. He also had a passion for R&B, rhythm and blues music and doo wop. He loved to admire old classic cars and Harley Davidson Bikes. Old School was a prankster and jokester at heart, and a force to be reckoned with; but yet he still had a kind, caring, and loving side. He loved his children wholeheartedly as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was adored by many and will be truly missed, but he will live on through us and our memories.

Old School was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Banda Olvera and Albert Olvera, Sr.; sons: Ray and Ramon Vela Sifuentes, Jr.; and closest and dearest friends, Don Hall and Gilbert Figgins

Old School is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Lopez Olvera; daughters: Rose Mary Olvera Miranda, and Rose Lee Acosta; son: Albert Rudy Olvera; daughter: Belinda Olvera Sifuentes and son-in-law Silvester Acosta; grandchildren: Nickolaus Miranda, Eliberto Miranda, Christopher Acosta, Maegan Acosta, Briana Acosta, Gabriel Adam Olvera, Ethan Albert Olvera Perret, Timothy Ray Olvera, Alicia Marie Olvera, Roberto Angel Sifuentes, and Jasmine Nicole Sifuentes; great grandchildren: Aidan Miguel Olvera Sifuentes, Ellieana Nickole Miranda, and Arieana Rose Miranda; brother, Jesse Olvera of Galveston; cousin Maryann Williams of Galveston; aunts and uncle: Pauline Compose of Victoria, Margaret Moreno of Sante Fe, and Thomas Banda of Cuero; and other family members and siblings-in-law.

Old School’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Monday, September 27th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will conclude the evening at 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Old School’s family wishes to extend special thanks to the Hospice/AMED team for all their help, as well as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Christus St. John Hospital, and Dr. Craig Kovits, MD. We would also like to send out a special thanks to Old School’s son, daughters, and sister- in-law Rebecca Lopez and the nurses that helped care for our beloved father and friend.