Benito Chavez

Benito I. "Bennie" Chavez passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bennie was born Monday, August 16, 1926 in Wilard New Mexico. He attended Mountainair High School and upon graduation was inducted into the United States Army, 11th Airborne Battalion, where he served as a paratrooper in World War II. He was part of the first occupational forces in Sapporo Japan. After the war he met the love of his life Conseulo "Connie" Velarde at St. Josephs on the Rio Grande. He tossed a basketball at her to get her attention. They were married on Saturday, July 11th, 1953 in Cuba, New Mexico. They moved to Los Angeles, California where he worked at Douglas Aircraft and attended school part time at University of Southern California where his wife also attended school. After returning to New Mexico Connie and Bennie moved to El Rito to teach. Bennie also coached the basketball and baseball teams. They moved to Albuquerque where they both began careers with Albuquerque Public Schools. Bennie obtained his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of New Mexico and worked for APS for 35 years.

Bennie is survived by his wife Consuelo and his 5 children, Ana Chavez, Rudolph "Rudy" Chavez, David Chavez, Monica Chavez, and Andrew and Jennifer Chavez; his grandchildren William and Adriana Chavez Nichols, Elijah Chavez Archer, Devin Chavez, Candace Kelley, Mattea Hankins Radosevich, Lucas Hankins, Julia Landavazo; and great grandchildren Azalea Nichols, Cassiel Nichols, Zinnia Nichols and Jedediah Jay Radosevich.

Bennie was a member of Queen of Heaven parish where he sang in the Spanish Chior, served as an Extraordinary Minster, and, was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th degree Knight.

Bennie enjoyed attending Lobo sporting events and never missed a home Lobo Football or basketball game. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Connie. He had a smile and heart as big as New Mexico.

A Rosary and Mass celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday February 21, 2024 at 9:30 a.m at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church 5311 Phoenix Av NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110.