John M. Chaves

Born in Villa do Porta, Santa Maria, Acores, Portugal, John came to America at the young age of twelve, carrying with him the strength, pride, and warmth of his Portuguese heritage. His heritage was a constant reminder of the love and courage that built the foundation of his life.

John was a man whose laughter could fill any room and whose heart embraced everyone around him. He was the kind of man who could make you smile even on your hardest days. With his quick wit, warm heart, and joyful spirit, he had a way of making every moment brighter. He had a joke for every occasion. John had the rare gift of being able to talk to anyone — no matter who they were or where they came from. Whether it was a stranger at a gas station or a friend he’d known for years, he’d strike up a conversation and leave them smiling. People were drawn to his kindness, his humor, and the genuine way he cared about everyone he met.

John found his greatest joy in his family. A devoted husband, proud father, and adoring grandfather, John’s love for his wife, children, and three grandchildren was endless. Affectionately known as “Crazy Vavô” to his grandchildren, John was the fun and silly Vavô.

John was a truck driver of twenty-three years who truly loved what he did. The open road was where he found peace, freedom, and purpose. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed spending time in the garage, working on his truck with his boys. Extremely handy, John could be called on to fix anything. He also had a lifelong passion for Corvettes, the kind of cars that – like him – had a little fire and a lot of heart.

John knew every road like the back of his hand and never needed a map to get anywhere. He cherished his moments with boating and camping with his family where laughter filled every mile. He was especially fond of his wife’s cooking, always saying that no restaurant could ever compare to a meal made with her love.

Faith was the cornerstone of John’s life. A devoted man of God, he attended church every Sunday and lived by the values of kindness, gratitude, and love. His faith guided him through every season of life and was evident in the way he treated others. He carried that faith with him everywhere — in his compassion, his laughter, and his ability to find joy even in difficult times. John instilled his faith in his family and was a role model for what it meant to be a man of God.

He will be remembered for his laughter, his love of life, his deep faith, and his devotion to family. No matter the circumstances, John always found a reason to smile. His light will continue to shine through every memory, every story, and every heart he touched.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jose and Maria Chaves; his brother, Alberto Chaves, who now welcome him home with open arms. John is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Liberta “Libby” (Paiva) Chaves; his four children, Tiffany Amaral and her husband Michael of Mattapoisett, Mindy DaRosa and her husband Justin of Seekonk, Alex Chaves and his wife Savannah of Fall River, Alan Chaves and his wife Lexie of Westport; three grandchildren, Sophia and Ashton Amaral, Oaklynn Chaves; very close cousin, Celio Chaves; childhood friend, John Varao; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins spanning from Canada to Santa Maria, all of whom brought him pride and joy.

John’s journey on earth has come to an end, but his spirit will forever ride the open road — free, joyful, and surrounded by love. He truly lived the words of the song “One Hell of a Life” by Tom Jones, embracing each day with joy, humor and a fearless spirit.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Community Nurses Hospice of Fairhaven for their exceptional care, compassion, and support in making John’s final days peaceful and filled with love, especially to nurses Sara, Jessica, and Rebecca.

His Funeral will be held on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 8:30am from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Holy Ghost Church, 316 Judson St., Tiverton, RI. Relatives and Friends are invited. Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River, MA. Visitation will be held on Sunday, 16 November 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.