Delfino Hilario Chavez

Delifino Hilario Chavez, age 86, passed away peacefully at his ranch in Golden, New Mexico on Friday, December 20, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents Delfino and Pauline Chavez, his former wife Viola Chavez and his brother Carlos Chavez. Delfino is survived by his wife Karen; brother Sigfredo Chavez and wife Carmen; children Max and wife Beth, Olga, David and wife Teresa. Dennis and wife Pauline, Pauline, Viola, John and wife Mary Lou, step-children Kelly Reese and husband, Shawn Reese and wife Vivian, and Patrick Reese and wife Carol. He was blessed with 23 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Delfino "Del" was born in Albuquerque and after being orphaned with his two brothers at an early age, spent his adolescent years in Ribera, New Mexico with his Aunt Luicita. At the age of 16, he moved to Arizona with his reunited family and picked cotton to help the family make ends meet. Soon after that he set out on his own and lived in Los Angeles. There he worked in a fruit stand at the Market Place while trying to support himself and his two younger brothers. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and proudly served in the Pacific between 1946 and 1950. While stationed in China he learned Chinese by communicating with the local Chinese dock workers and prided himself on understanding their plight. He loved singing while strumming his guitar, especially sharing a song learned when he was stationed in China. His ability to pick up languages was remarkable especially since he learned them as a means to communicate with those around him. He prided himself on Navajo, San Felipe, Spanish and English - without formal education. Delfino was a well-known member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 412, where he received his 55 year membership pin after working in the industry as a plumber - pipefitter. His passion in life was ranching and farming. He spent his retirement years at his beloved ranch near Golden, New Mexico. We will miss him dearly. Special thanks to George who was his friend and caregiver as his dementia slowly took his spirit. A celebration of life will be held at FRENCH - University on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Burial services will follow at the San Pedro Cemetery near Golden.