Joseph L. Chavez

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and uncle, Joseph Luis Chavez, who left us on February 1st, 2025 at the age of 89. A man of great kindness, warmth and unbelievable generosity. He touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born on September 6, 1935 in Redlands, Ca., "Fatty", as his family would nickname him, joined the Navy at the age of 18 and toured Japan, Philippines and was later stationed at Treasure Island, San Francisco. This is where he fell in love with the city of San Francisco, and after leaving the Navy planted his roots and worked repairing, rebuilding and investing in properties.

It wasn’t very long after, that he met his partner in life Boyd Swartz, and together they invested in multiple San Francisco properties and ran a successful wine store, Castro Village Wine, for many years.

Friends of Joe would often referred to him as the Mayor of Castro because he was always there to greet newcomers to the neighborhood and welcome them into the community. Joe loved meeting his friends regularly at the wine store for happy hour, and following with dinner at the many restaurants throughout the City. If it was your birthday he would celebrate you by singing Las Mananitas (happy birthday). Joe also loved meeting his brother Eugene (Rommie) 3 to 4 times a year in Las Vegas where they would spend endless hours gambling, enjoying fine dining and bonding. They were known to all the casino staff as “The Brothers”.

Joe is survived by his brother Eugene (Rommie) Chavez and his wife, Patricia; nieces, Judy Douglass, Loretta Chavez, Sandra Peterson, Gina Chavez, Lisa Ingro and Kathy Marcelino, and several great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in life by his mother Alma Mata, brother Phillip Chavez and sisters Olaya Ingro and Gloria Zillner.

We will forever cherish Joe’s memory, and his spirit will forever live on through the love he gave and the countless lives he touched.

Rest in Peace our dear uncle, loving brother, you will be missed.