MARIANO GABINO CHAVEZ
Mariano Gabino Chavez went home to his Lord on November 19, 2017. He died at home after a brief battle with Leukemia.
Mariano was born in Roy, New Mexico on February 19, 1926 to Mariano Antonio Chaves and Antonia "Tonita" Gonzales. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Epifanio and sister Getrudis, and his son-in law Pedro Fraire. Mariano is survived by his children; Eleanor Chavez, Miguel Chavez and wife Liz, Margaret Chavez and husband Jim Alvino, Eliza Chavez and husband Eric Eschmann, Cristobal Chavez, Teresa Griego and husband John, and Joaquin Chavez, his brother Jose Antonio Chavez and wife Hazel, 17 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mariano graduated from Roy High School and very soon after joined the Navy. He served in World War II and the Korean War. He used to tell his grandkids his Navy job was selling windshield wipers to submarines. After the war, he worked in the California shipyards.
Upon returning to New Mexico he attended New Mexico State University on the G.I. Bill, studied Civil Engineering and worked construction jobs to support his family. He worked for he NM State Highway Department and then at the Los Alamos National Lab. After his retirement from the Lab he worked for MolzenCorben and Associates.
Mariano was active in his community. He was a lifelong member of Los Caballeros de Vargas. He served for a time on the Santa Fe Housing Authority Board. He was also a member of the VFW. He was an active member of St. Anne’s Parish leading many projects to improve the church’s buildings and grounds. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. During the brief time, he lived in Albuquerque he was a member of San Martin de Porres Parish.
One of Mariano’s favorite hobbies was researching the Chavez family’s genealogy. Mariano was extremely proud of his New Mexico family history and could trace his roots back to the beginning of the 17th century. Like his father before him, he was the keeper of the family history and could tell many a story of the Chavez family’s life and struggles in Northern New Mexico. His GreatGreat Grandfather Miguel Mariano Chaves, helped build the old Church in Hernandez, San Jose De Chama and Mariano, refusing to let it fall into disrepair lead the restoration efforts. Relatives from near and far came to learn about the Chavez family from Mariano and they never tired of his many "Cuentos" and "Dichos".
Mariano believed in keeping his word, maintaining his Catholic faith and traditions, had a deep sense of the importance of family and a keen sense of humor. His passing has left a hole in our hearts. He is missed and loved.
Services for Mariano will be held at St. Anne’s Parish with a Rosary on November 27th at 7pm lead by the Cofradia de Nuestro Padre de Jesus Nazarareno De El Duende. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 28th at 9am at St. Anne’s and internment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 am. For more information call 505-401-4732.