Mario Edward Chavez Jr.

Chavez, Mario Edward, 89 passed away at home on October 2, 2016 with his family by his bedside. He was born on June 2, 1927 in Tampa, Florida to Mario and Jennie Peon Chavez. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1943-1945 on the SS Sunbeam. He retired from Sears and Roebuck and after several years moved to Deland, Florida. During his retirement, he enjoyed wood crafting, and raising canaries. He was most often found outside smoking a cigar and caring for his birds. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Jennie Chavez, his brother, George Chavez, and his sister, Julie Hall. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Chavez and his children Kathy Chavez, Chris Chavez (Sandy), and Mario Chavez (Debbie), his sister, Norma Lopez, and brother, Phillip J. Chavez (Dianne). He had the privilege of enjoying 6 grandchildren, Kari Zipay (Matthew), Kimberly Lackey, Patricia Chavez, Shawnee Chavez, Phillip Chavez, and Connor Chavez. He was blessed with 4 great grandchildren, Trey Escobio, Ava Roberts, Ann Marie Roberts, and Karly Potter, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends in the Chapel of Lights Mausoleum at the Garden of Memories Cemetery on Thursday October 6, 2016 from 11:30am – 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vitas Deland, Florida or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. The family sends a special thank you to the entire team at Woodland Towers, as well as the private caregivers for their compassionate care.