Joseph Benjamin Chavarria David

Joseph Benjamin David was born January 22, 1968, in Manila, Philippines, to Policarpio Ramirez David and Corazon Chavarria. Soon after he became a Kuya (big brother in tagalog) to Marnie and John Paul. His dad was a 21-year veteran in the U.S. Navy, so the family called many places home: Philippines, Guam, California, and Washington state. His love for sports developed as a young boy playing little league baseball. He went to Piedmont Middle and Independence High School in San Jose, CA.

Joe was a proud military veteran. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1986 and completed boot camp at Fort Hood, Texas. He was stationed in West Germany with the Armored Division Tank Battalion working on M1 Abrams main battle tanks. He continued serving his country in the U.S. Army National Guard Reserves for another four years, 1990 -1994.

When he returned to civilian life, Joe devoted much of his time sharing his love for sports and the game of life with the youth. He spent hours coaching and officiating girls’ volleyball, softball, and basketball games. He helped them grow in skill, confidence and teamwork. He also worked campus security at Santa Clara and Wilcox High School. When he moved to Las Vegas in 2018, he joined the Southern Nevada Officials Association (SNOA). He most recently officiated the Volleyball Regionals last Fall and umpired in the Softball State Tournament Spring 2025. The last hours of his life were spent umpiring a softball game at Clark High School. His favorite teams were University of North Carolina Tar Heels (UNC tattooed on his right arm), Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Sharks and the Golden State Warriors. And yes, even the Oakland/Los Angeles Las Vegas Raiders. He was always ready to give people the latest scores, stats and trades on almost any team or player. Whenever a new niece or nephew was born, he was ready and so excited to teach them volleyball and softball.

When he wasn’t involved with his many sports activities, Joe enjoyed hanging out with friends, fishing, crabbing, playing Bingo, gambling at the local casino with his parents and playing PS5. He loved just spending time with family but especially playing with the little ones. He wasn't afraid of being silly with the kids if he knew it would make them laugh. He was definitely that goofy and fun uncle. Joe also liked to eat out a lot. His go-to picks were hot wings and fast food like Taco Bell, and he was always looking for a good AYCE (all you can eat) sushi place. While his favorite Filipino foods were dinuguan (chocolate meat), kare kare (oxtail stew in a peanut butter sauce) and chicken adobo. And Papa’s infamous potato salad, which was one of the last meals he shared together with his younger brother, John, just days before he passed.

Ask anyone who knew him, and they would tell you Joe was the life of the party. If he heard one of his songs playing, he would be dancing his heart out like no one was watching. And it didn’t stop there. He loved to sing too. At home, Joe could be heard belting out songs in the shower or just singing in his room. The tunes you’d find on his Spotify playlist were from artists like Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, NSYNC and any 80-90s throwback remix. That was his jam!

Joe will be remembered as someone who brought joy and laughter wherever he went. With a big heart, humble spirit and goofy sense of humor, Joe had a special way of making people feel welcomed and valued. His kindness, generosity and unconditional love left a lasting impression on his family, friends and the many young people he mentored. He genuinely and selflessly cared for others. His life was a gift to those who knew him, and his memory will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.