Jose Benito Chavez, age 85, resident of El Guique, went to heaven on August 28, 2019. Born on August 6th 1934 in Alcalde to Jose Miguel Chavez and Rosarito B. Chavez.
Benito grew up in the Valley, in the ranching/farming community of El Guique. This is where he learned the love of the land and his hard-working ethic. Shortly, after high school, he served our country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War with great pride before returning home to pursue his Bachelor of Arts in Education. He started his career shortly after this by becoming a 4th & 5th grade teacher at Cordova Elementary. He went on to get his Masters of Arts in Education from Highlands University.
Benito loved his grandchildren and his great grandson. His love for children didn’t stop with his family, he was a well know and respected educator throughout the Valley and surrounding schools and communities. He served at many levels of education starting his career as a teacher and reaching the ultimate goal of becoming a Superintendent. He also was a major pillar in the creation and building of the Espanola Military Academy. His tenure in education span over 50 years.
Benito served in various committees in the Espanola Valley and surrounding communities. He also served in the House of State Representatives. In Benito’s free time, he loved to tend to his ranch and gardens. He had many animals who he showed as much love and attention as he did to his family and students. He touched so many lives, in the time he was on this earth with his kindness and knowledge. His memory will live on through all the “GENTE”.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jose Miguel Chavez, mother, Rosarito B. Chavez, sister Amalia Gallegos, brother’s Juanito Chavez and Roque Chavez, nephew Rodney Pacheco and his uncle Jose Nestor Chavez.
Benito was married for 49 wonderful years to the love of his life Lucy Chavez. They had 2 daughters, Melissa M. Chavez and Monica Rico, husband Mark of El Guique. 5 grandchildren, Ashton Garcia, husband Rick of Santa Fe, Leonard Quintana Jr. of Albuquerque, Brittani Vigil of Los Alamos, Alejandro Quintana of El Guique and Leandro Vigil of El Guique. 1 great grandson, his little pumpkin, Liam Cole Garcia of Santa Fe.
He is survived by his sister Sorida Pacheco (Henry), brother Miguel Chavez (Erma), Wilfred Chavez (Bernice) and sister in law Socorro Chavez and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Pallbearers all grandchildren, great grandson and Damian Vigil
On behalf of the family we would like to thank; Del Corazon Hospice, Dr. Maley, Pam, Ted, Meghan, Jacob and Chaplin Hampton. Caregivers that help in his time of need Angela Montoya, Odalis, Tania and Norma. All church staff; Father Herrera, Father Julio and Father Brennan. All family and friends that came to visit. A special thanks to Rico Diaz for helping with the programs and amazing slide show of memories and to Chenee Pacheco for her presentation of the United States Flag and honoring her uncles love of the Marine Corp. SIEMPER FI!
Rosary will be prayed on September 8, 2019 at the San Batista Catholic Church in San Juan at 3:00PM
A Mass will be held at the same location the follwing day at 11:00AM
Interment to follow the Mass at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30PM
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About |
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| Name | Jose Benito Chavez |
| Date of Birth | August 6th, 1934 |
| Date of Death | August 28th, 2019 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Española | |
| Cemetery | Santa Fe National Cemetery | |
| Address |
501 North Guadalupe Street Santa Fe NM 87501 United States |
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published a tribute .
My deepest condolences to the family of Jose Benito Chavez. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you the comfort you need during this difficult time. May Mr. Chavez RIP
published a comment .
To the family of Jose Benito, my heart-felt sympathy. He was my high school classmate and I just discovered that he 3 days older than I. I will always remember Benito for three things: 1) On the very first day when I arrived at Ohkay Owingeh (from Cimarron) to be pastor of San Juan parish, he stopped by the rectory to welcome me. He was probably on his way home from JFK. That would have been around the middle of May of 1964. 2) He was a model parishioner being at Mass every Sunday. 3) He was a State Representative when our parish council asked him to introduce legislation to allow "release time" in schools whereby students could be released from school time for one hour to attend religion classes. And it passed.
Rest in peace, dear friend and classmate.
Father John Candido Rodriguez
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published a tribute .
Thank you for being a great person in the educational world for all of us in the Espanola Valley. I always remember your kind and gentle spirit as a Principal.
published a comment .
Condolences on the passing of Benito. He was a great man. We will always remember him at the McCurdy basketball games. Elias and Olivia Martinez and family. God be with you all.
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published a tribute .
I was so sad to hear about Mr. Chavez' passing. He was my principal at John F. Kennedy Jr. High School many years ago. A well respected pillar in the educational system. RIP Mr. Chavez
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published a tribute .
Lucy and Family, My Prayers with you All. May Benito continue being the Angel he always has been. It was great working with him and knowing him.
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published a tribute .
Lucy and family we r so sorry for your loss. Our prayers r with u and your family. Benito was a great man always willing to help other. R I P Mr. Chavez and fly with the angels.
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published a tribute .
Monica and Family... My sincere condolences. Your dad was a very good friend of my mom and Uncle Edward Medina. May cherished memories help you during this difficult time.
published a comment .
My condolences to your family Melissa. May you find comfort in Gods loving arms.
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published a tribute .
Melissa, Ashton & Family, My condolences. Your dad/grandpa was a great man, keep all your memories in your heart.
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published a tribute .
Melissa and family, our deepest condolences to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love you, Melissa and Eppie
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published a tribute .
To the Chavez Family my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Chavez he was a very nice and good man may he rest in peace.
published a comment .
Pres & I we’re saddened by the news of Benito
He was our friend, and a very good DANCER,
He will be gone but not forgotten,
Our condolences to his family , Lucy ,you were a wonderful wife and person to Benito, RIP
We will see someday in Paradise,
published a comment .
Our most heartfelt condolences are extended to the Chavez family. Eternal rest grant unto Mr. Chavez O'Lord and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. Our thought & prayers are with you all.
published a comment .
My condolences to you and our family. May our Uncle Rest In Peace and May our dear Lord comfort us all
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published a tribute .
Our deepest condolences to the Chavez family . Mr. Chavez had respect for all the students, especially the Native American students at John F. Kennedy Jr High. May he have eternal rest.
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published a tribute .
Mrs. Chavez and Family we are so sorry for your loss. God bless you.
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published a tribute .
Melissa and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. May God provide you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
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published a tribute .
Melissa and family, our condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
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published a tribute .
Rest in Peace Ben, you were a good Man! My time working with was
exciting! Won't ever forget it! God Speed!
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published a tribute .
Lucy, our deepest condolences goes out to you and your daughters. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
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published a tribute .
Aunt Lucy and girls, May God be with you always during this very difficult time. My memories of Uncle Ben will always be with me especially through my son whom so often was with you at a very young age. May God keep you all in prayers. Love you, Ollie
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published a tribute .
Lucy and Family:
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father, and Grandfather. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and give you strength during this difficult time of your lives. You lost the Love of Your LIfe and I lost a sincere friend. Benito has died but his legacy will live forever. God Bless you. Siby
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published a tribute .
Lucy and family, my condolences to you and the family for your loss. He was a great man. He will be greatly missed.
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published a tribute .
Our Sincerest Condolences to the family of Mr. Jose Benito Chavez..
Mr. Chavez , was a very Good man, well respected and a very good Principal at the Espanola High School many years ago!
He was very stern and much respected which you don't see that much anymore.
God bless you all!
May he be at peace..
God bless
Mr. & Mrs. Johnny and Cindy Martinez
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On behalf of The Rivera's and all the staff at Rivera Family Funeral Home we would like to express our deepest condolences at this time of great loss. Please know we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
published a comment .
Melissa and family,
My condolences on the passing of your beloved father. May the memories you have bring you comfort and may God's promise that you will be reunited bring you peace.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”
May your dad rest in eternal peace.
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published a tribute .
Family of Benito Chavez, On behalf of my family and myself we send you all our most sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Benito. He was a great neighbor and family friend and was always available to give a helping hand when you needed one. Now as Benito has started his journey to his heavenly home may our dear lord Jesus Christ welcome his with open arms as he is reunited with all his loved ones that have gone before him. Know that you all will in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May Benito now Rest In Peace. God bless you all.
Our sympathy,
Leroy Sanchez & family
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published a tribute .
Our deepest condolences to Lucy and the whole Chavez family. Mr. Chavez was so loved by his coworkers and students alike. May you find comfort knowing he no longer suffers and is now resting. Maxine Salazar and Lila Salazar
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