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Atalio Chavez, age 94, a lifetime resident of New Mexico and a resident of Belen for over 70 years, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. After graduating from Belen High School in 1936, he worked at various jobs, including as a delivery and stock boy at Fiel and Ellermyers Department Store, and the Harvey House. In 1942, he went to work for the War Department's Army Air Force until he was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II. He later worked for the US Post Office where he retired on February 28, 1976. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Belen Council, which he joined in November 1951, and served in every local office working his way up through the various State Offices, advancing to the position of State Deputy from 1976 to 1978. Atalio was also a Municipal Judge, a member of Belen's first Hospital Board, a Boy Scout Master for six years, and a member of the Ranchers State Bank Board of Directors. He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church where he served in various positions, including as usher for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Seferina Romero; and his loving wife of 55 years, Paulita Chavez; daughter, Viola Thompson; son, Daniel Chavez; and his four siblings, Juan Chavez, Esther Guido, Beatrice Lueras, and Audilio Chavez. Atalio is survived by his son, Fil Chavez and his wife, Mary; his granddaughter and caregiver, Barb Chavez; and his other five grandchildren, Sondra Chavez, Tammy Mattics, Teri Haar, Kevin Chavez, and Trent Chavez and their families; his siblings, Syria Burrola, Lucy Martinez, Reina Cain, Clifton Chavez, and Dolores Repik and their families. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including his God-children, Denise Buchner, Kathy Ballestrazze, and Patrick Lueras and their families. A viewing will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Romero Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. A Final Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. with Father Bijoi Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. The family requests that donations be made to Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87110.Sign Atalio's online register book at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen, NM.
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