Antonio J. Chavez's Obituary
Antonio Jose Chavez, age 92, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 14, 2017. He passed away peacefully at his home in Castro Valley surrounded by his family. He was born on July 19,1925 in the small farming town of San Antonio, New Mexico. He was born to Efrain and Prudencia Chavez. He was the eldest of eleven children. At the age of 17, Tony was drafted into the US Army. He traveled to Oakland California to work in the shipyards until he turned 18. His daughter recounts this story; the morning he was to leave San Antonio, his Mom gave him a satchel of food and his Dad brought the horse around for both of them to ride double— to the train station. Tony served in WWII; reaching the shores of Normandy just as the war was ending. Tony learned the trade of carpentry in the service. Carpentry would be his life’s work; he loved it! After his discharge, Tony returned to Oakland and married Amparo Flores, on December 15, 1946. Together they raised five children. Richard, Debbie, Lori, Renee and David. He built his dream house in Castro Valley, welcoming hundreds of friends throughout the last fifty years. Tony is survived by his brothers Sammy, Marty, and Sonny Chavez; also his sister Christella Pino. Also surviving are his brother-in law Alfred Flores and his sister-in-law Esperanza Gusman. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Matthew and Lisa, Dustin and Kait, Pablo, Erin, Rene, Josh, Mia, Isabella and Esther; and five great-grandchildren: Addison Kierra, Dawson, Jack and Finn. Tony has been member of Gideon’s International for decades. He served with great dedication and passion. Even in rehab he requested -Nurses Bibles. The Hayward Camp brought them to his home. Celebration of Life Service Thursday, December 21, 2017 1:00 pm 3Crosses Church 20600 John Dr. Castro Valley, CA 94546
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