Melvin "Skip" Chaves

PORT ST. LUCIE – Melvin (Skip) Chaves, of Port St. Lucie and Miami, Florida, died peacefully at home, on Friday, September 29th, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Melvin was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1932. His parents were Manuel Chaves and Amparo Gutierrez Chaves, both from Isabela, Puerto Rico. He was one of two children, predeceased by his older sister, Emma Chaves Pridgen.

Melvin met the love of his life, his high school sweetheart, Emma Josefina Gonzalez, in Brooklyn, NY. While dating Emma, Melvin was drafted by the US military and proposed to her just prior to being deployed. She accepted, and while he was away, they wrote letters to each other every day.

Melvin served in the US Army from 1953 – 1955 during the Korean Conflict, and was honorably discharged.

After returning home, on April 23, 1955, Melvin and Emma were married at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brooklyn, NY. Their honeymoon consisted of a six-week trip to Puerto Rico, and then a visit to Miami. Melvin and Emma were so impressed with Miami, they decided to move there to start their life together.

Melvin graduated from the University of Miami with a BBA in Marketing in 1957, and attended the University of Miami’s Graduate School of Business. Previously, until 1953, he had attended the City College of New York. His leadership abilities led him to found the University of Miami water ski club, of which he became President. He was also involved with the Kiwanis Club of Coral Way and in 1964, became its President. He was the founding Chairman for the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of South Florida, and was active for more than two decades with the Puerto Rican community.

His career spanned years as a licensed real estate Broker. He also worked briefly at UARCO Business Forms, Maule Industries, and General Electric (Hotpoint Division). Ultimately, SER-Jobs for Progress (Miami) was where he found his calling, providing occupational training and job placement, counseling, and supportive services to disadvantaged youth, and others. He was SER’s founding President (1978-1999) when he retired to spend more time with his family and community.

Melvin had a sense of adventure, was a good conversationalist and had a quick wit. He dearly loved his family.

Melvin and Emma moved to Port St. Lucie, FL on April 24, 2018, where he happily spent his last years in the peaceful surroundings of nature.

He is survived by his wife, Emma, and their three children, Michael Chaves (wife Keven Mayo), Elinor Arrabal (husband Omelio ) and Michelle George (husband Art). He’s also survived by five grandchildren (Matthew, Jenna, Erik, Christian and Paige) and two great grandchildren (Damian, Jr. and Santiago).

A visitation for Melvin will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM at 9547 - Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 SW 117TH AVE, MIAMI, FL 33186. A graveside service will occur Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at 9547 - Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South.