Jose Benito Chavez

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