Roberto Esteban Chavarria

This is the story of my dad, Roberto Esteban Chavarria, who transcended into heaven on August 21,2024, after having fought a very long, hard, and arduous battle against Pancreatic Cancer for seven years. My dad never complained of the pain or let the cancer defeat him, rather, did everything that was asked of him without remorse or denial. It was through the grace of our Lord and prayers from all that knew him that kept him alive much longer than expected.

Now, let’s turn back the clock, and start from the beginning. My dad was born in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, along the beautiful and tranquil Pacific Ocean, on September 02, 1937. As a child, he grew up in a very family-oriented setting and easily made friends and long-lasting relationships with everyone he met. He went to school, obtained a good education and began working for the government as a public works engineer. He always had a strong work ethic and focused always on a career and one day having a family.

He met my mother one bright and sunny beautiful day, on November 11, 1961, and the two became inseparable. Their love grew so strong that they decided to get married on February 11, 1967. My mother was also a professional in the educational system, having taught school for eleven years. Almost a year later, they had me, their only son and soon after, my mother gave birth to my sister Priscia and then Carolina came along soon after that. This is where the story really begins.

Carolina became ill at a very young age with Meningitis which took away her ability to hear. My parents struggled to provide her with a regular life and benefits in Costa Rica that the hearing world had. This was especially difficult in the 1970’s in Costa Rica. The opportunities for growth and development or a future for someone with a hearing disability simply did not exist. A decision had to be made to seek a better future. My mother and my father decided to visit my aunt that was already living in Richmond, Virginia for a few weeks during the summer of 1976. My father quickly saw the opportunities that the United States had for my sister Carolina and the thoughts quickly became a reality.

Upon arrival back to Costa Rica that summer, with strong support of my Uncle, Jim McIntyre and my Aunt, Maritza McIntyre, my father and mother decided to make a go of it and leave their professional jobs, futures, home, friends and family in search of a bright future for my sister Carolina.My father stayed back for several months to make sure all was taken care of before making the move to Richmond, Virginia.

My mother was also pregnant at the time of coming to the United States with her fourth child, Maritza. We all set out for our new homeland and arrived in Richmond, Virginia on August 28, 1976, with just a few suitcases and merely clothes on our back to a new, strange but fascinating land. The United States welcomed us with open arms, but life was never easy.

Upon arrival in Richmond, Virginia, my dad immediately sought work wherever possible. He did not speak English and never did. He struggled with the language his entire life and never was able to learn it. He concentrated on work and providing for his family by any means necessary. My dad used that strong work ethic that made him successful in Costa Rica, here in the new land. My dad eventually found permanent work in the textile industry and remained working for the remainder of his life until his retirement, not long ago.

My dad and mom lived many happy, beautiful, joy filled and wonderful years upon his retirement. The Outer Banks of North Carolina was his happy place because it reminded him of his home, he had left so many years ago.

I still see his smile and the memories still bring a tear to my eye, as I remember our family vacations with him always present. My dad was always a “tico” true at heart, in mind and in spirit, always thinking and supporting his birthplace with devoted passion and pride.

He planned to visit his birthplace before his death but never got the opportunity to do so due to the cancer taking him so quickly.

Our family is forever grateful for the gift he gave us by his beautiful easy going, peaceful, and “no worries” spirit that has transcended over all our personalities. He never let anything get to him even in the worst of times. My dad always remained calm and had solutions. He comforted and always made sure everyone was safe and well taken care of. He selfishly always was willing to lend a helping hand, support his grandchildren, and provide comfort in times of sickness. I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to be able to sit down at the dinner table with him every day of my life. This was his gift to me.

Now, as our family mourns his loss, I look over the empty chair that remains in the kitchen and in the den where we watched television together and chatted every day. I am reminded of him and all the great times and wonderful moments he brought into all our family’s lives. It is this simplicity, kindness, warmth, and caring being of his that I remember most.

This is not the end of his story, but the beginning of a new one, a new chapter in the book of life. We are now only left with wonderful memories, stories, and remembrances of him and his story that we will always continue to share with our children and remind them of who this great man was, my father.

Roberto was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo Chavarria Centeno and Maria Cristina Rosabal Flores. Roberto is survived by his devoted wife, Olga Chavarria. Together for 62 years, they shared a lifetime of cherished memories and unwavering support. He was a loving father to Roberto Mauricio Chavarria, Priscia MacGregor, Carolina (Josh) Malasheskie and Maritza (Steven) Bell. He was a proud grandfather to Erica Glines, Aidan MacGregor, Reagan MacGregor, Grant MacGregor, Chase Malasheskie and Parker Malasheskie. His family was his greatest joy, and he took immense pride in each of them.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN) or The Virginia Cancer Institute of Richmond.