SAN ANTONIO – To his family, he was Alberto Calvo, but to thousands of his radio fans, his name was Alberto Alegre.
“Every radio station he's ever worked in throughout Texas, he's always brought the ratings up,” said Alejandro Calvo, his son. “He's had proclamations in El Paso for his own day. He's had a proclamation in Houston for all of his efforts.”
Alegre was a staple in the Spanish radio community, as he’s been in the business for 43 years.
He has played a major role in the successes of many big names such as La Mafia, Emilio Navaira, and even Selena. He has also won several awards in his lifetime.
He won the title of best “Spanish Format Personality of the Year" winning the prestigious Marconi Radio Award. He also hosted the Tejano Music Awards twice, but what he was most known for was his service to others.
“He had such a huge heart,” said Alan Calvo, his other son. “The heart of a bull. He was so sensitive. He just did not like the underdog to not be known.”
“Being a person like that who is humble and still helps the community out despite his celebrity status,” said Alejandro.
Because of that, his thousands of radio listeners from all over are heartbroken after Alegre passed away because of complications following an infection in his blood.
“He started with some stomach problems and had surgeries after surgeries and things just progressively got worse,” said Alejandro. “So the doctor advised us that it would be best if he stops suffering so that he can rest in peace.”
Though he is gone, his family plans to carry out a part of his legacy.
“He was always honoring and commemorating anybody who have never ever received any type of recognition because that is the type of man he was,” said Alejandro. “Anybody from teachers, community citizens, photographers, you name it.”
Together, Alegre and his sons started the Alegre Awards four years ago. Unfortunately the awards for this year landed on Saturday, the day he passed away.
“It just gives me chills just thinking about it,” said Alan. “It was supposed to be held at the International Center. Some of his last words were if I was going to continue the Alegre Awards and I told him yes.”
His family said they are now raising money to pay for the medical expenses their father had to go through. They said next year they plan to put on an Alegre Awards ceremony bigger and better than ever before in honor of their father.
“You taught us how to be strong men and showed people how to live right and you will never be forgotten dad,” said Alejandro. “We love you.”