David John Chavez

David John Chavez was born on December 6, 1961 to Robert & Rosemary Chavez in Phoenix, Arizona. As a young child, David enjoyed camping and quail and rabbit hunting with his father, older brother, Robert, Uncle Tony, and cousins, Anthony and Danny. He learned how to prepare the quail, but his uncle told him he was too young to shoot.

In 1972, the Chavez family of six headed west to California. They lived with their Tio Richard and Tia Tiny Samudio in San Pedro for one year before settling into their home on Oliver Street. David attended Bandini Elementary and Dodson Junior High. As a young boy, David could be found dirt biking and jumping off a tire swing across the creek in Bandini Canyon, which was part of their backyard. He enjoyed catching crawdads at Averill park or going to the bluff to pick abalone with his family, including cousins, Richard and Ruben. He could not wait to eat his Tia Tiny’s famous seafood cocktail. David once bet his youngest sister, Monica, that him and Robert could do the housework better than her and, their other sister, Kathy, could do the yard work. He lost the bet and the girls came up on the bigger bedroom and stereo system! Many memories were shared with his family hanging out at their home singing and listening to music. A natural athlete, David wrestled and boxed at the YMCA, as well as played football, but his all-time favorite sport was baseball.

David started playing baseball at block field when he was ten until he graduated from San Pedro High School in 1979 with a baseball scholarship to California State University Dominguez Hills. Shortly after, he changed direction, earning his certification as a draftsman at Harbor College.

In 1982, David married Rhonda Rubio. Two years later, in 1984, they welcomed his only child: Andrea Danielle. She was his greatest joy! If you look back at any pictures, you can just see in his smile the love he had for her. During this time, he also began working as a Longshoreman for the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He remained working there, in the Los Angeles Harbor, for 37 years, a crane operator at the time of his passing.

David knew struggle in his life, but it did not diminish the love and warmth he knew in his heart and shared with all his family and friends. He never forgot to call or send a card for every birthday or anniversary.

David was so proud of his daughter, Andrea, her husband, Jasen, and their boys. He enjoyed attending the baseball games of Andrew and Anthony, always calling them by their full names. At the field, he was known as ‘Grandpa David’ by the team. After any good play or hit, you could hear his whistle and yell, which Andrea inherited from him, cheering them on. When David’s oldest grandson, JJ, started a pressure-washing business, he was sure to be one of the first customers. He took at least 50 pictures of JJ cleaning windows at his home! He cherished anytime spent with his daughter’s family, no matter whether it was barbecuing or dressing up in Christmas pajamas to open presents on Christmas Eve.

David was a homebody and often came home from work, changed into his pajamas, and settled in to watch television and spend time with Lori. They were together for twelve years and Lori’s home-cooked meals really meant a lot to David. He always made sure to greet her with a kiss and a hug. Treating themselves to massages and feasting on crab, David and Lori enjoyed special trips to Cambria. David thought it was funny to get a smiley face on his big toe anytime they would get pedicures. Catalina was a favorite trip David would take with Lori, Andrea, Jasen, and the boys.

David’s sense of humor and contagious laugh - with that huge smile - kept everyone laughing and smiling. He was the king of impressions and had a voice for everyone, including animals! He would tease his brother, Robert, pretending to walk like the Pink Panther, or tease his sister about lighting up the room because she was so fair. In truth, David himself, with that warm and welcoming smile, really lit up a room.

David gave his time freely. He truly enjoyed being with those he loved. When they were kids, he’d often have his sister, Monica, toss him the football or baseball. At the time, she was scared of his fast pitch, but now she looks back on those memories fondly. It was something she was able to pass down to her kids - a love for athletics, but more importantly, time spent with one another.

As he went through life, there were other things unique about David. Andrea’s boys will tell you, they could always smell Grandpa David coming well before they saw him. He loved his cologne almost as much as his Hawaiian shirts and walking sandals. I’m sure most of you can picture him - and maybe even smell him- and surely he’s smiling. I hope you will continue to tell stories of times you shared with him or maybe even smile the next time you pass someone wearing heavy cologne, a Hawaiian shirt, or walking sandals.

David John Chavez, 60, passed away in Long Beach, CA on October 7, 2022. He will be remembered for his huge heart and giving nature.

David was predeceased by his parents, Robert & Rosemary Chavez, older brother, Robert, and younger sister, Kathy. He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Harviston, son-in-law, Jasen Harviston, grandsons, JJ, Andrew, and Anthony, sister, Monica Farillas, nieces, nephews, and his long-time significant other, Lori Fesmire.

There will be a memorial service on Friday, November 11, 2022 at 10 am at White’s Funeral Home in Bellflower, California.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitesmortuary.com for the Chavez family.