Alonzo Carpio Chavez

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Alonzo "Al" Chavez on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Alonzo was born on September 17, 1934, in Torreon, New Mexico, to Juan and Maria Chavez. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Leticia "Tootsie" Chavez.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Chavez, Stella LeFebre (Donald), Lizzi Jay, Patrick (Liz), Matthew (Jean Ann), and Morris (Allison); 15 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Alonzo was lucky to have grown up in a large family with 11 brothers and sisters. Surviving siblings include Cecilia Sanchez, Susie Perea, and Joe, Carmel, Juan, and Pablo Chavez.

In his early years, Al spent his time serving his country in the USAF in Korea. Upon returning, he was stationed at Edwards AFB in California, where he started his family with Tootsie. They later moved to Albuquerque, where he mastered his trade-which would become his lifelong work-as a glazier. Al was a journeyman for some of the largest glass companies in Albuquerque. He eventually opened his own glass business, A & P Glass & Mirror, which he had for 30 years.

Upon retiring, Al began playing his favorite sport of all time, baseball (softball). Our dad supported us through all our years of baseball and softball. He was excited to get his own opportunity and participated in the Senior Olympics. He won several medals and went on to play in the Senior Leagues here in Albuquerque. He was considered one of the "younger" guys, had a mean swing, and could run the bases like no other his age.

Alonzo and Tootsie were members of Holy Ghost Parish for approximately 60 years. Al was a regular at weekday masses and enjoyed helping Father Hyginus in any way he could. Al's Catholic faith was unwavering throughout his entire life, and he rarely ever missed Sunday mass. His other favorite ritual was going for breakfast every Sunday morning to Kap's Restaurant, where he never had to convey his order to anyone; they all knew exactly what he would have.

Services will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 833 Arizona Street SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, March 3, 2023. The Rosary will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by a viewing and Mass at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery on the corner of Wyoming and Paseo Del Norte. A reception will follow at the St. Therese Catholic Church Gymnasium at 212 Mildred Avenue NW.

Please visit our online guestbook for Al at www.FrenchFunerals.com.