Alvin A. Estrella, 72, a retired printer who acted in community theater and ran a woodworking business from home, died Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Born and raised on the Northwest Side, Mr. Estrella graduated from Lane Technical High School. Entering the army near the end of World War II, Mr. Estrella served for two years at Fort Hood, Texas. He returned to Chicago and took an apprenticeship at Chicago Roto Print, a now-defunct Northwest Side printer. After six years, he became a journeyman, specializing in photo engraving. Among his projects were the early issues of Playboy magazine, said his wife of 51 years, Mary. The couple moved to Rolling Meadows in 1954 and 10 years later moved to Arlington Heights. It was around that time that Mr. Estrella revived a high school interest in drama and began appearing in productions by the Palatine Players and the Village Theater Group. Among the parts he performed were roles in “Come Blow Your Horn,” “A Majority of One,” and “A Fallen Angel.” After retiring in 1985, Mr. Estrella started a small business in his basement making cabinets for VCRs and other items. He also took frequent fishing trips to Hawaii and Florida and maintained a boat locally. Mr. Estrella also is survived by a daughter, Susan Starcka son, Steven; and three grandchildren. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.
