 CHAVEZ, JUAN P. In Loving Memory On Saturday, July 26th, 2014 our Lord and Savior called our most beloved, Juan Padilla Chavez home to heaven. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Teresa and his children and grandchildren. He was born in San Rafael, New Mexico on July 3rd, 1926 and just celebrated his 88th birthday with his family earlier this month. His is survived by his wife, Teresa whom was the love of his life and most devoted companion of 67 years. Juan and Teresa have been residents of Chandler, Arizona since 1986. Together they lovingly raised seven children: Virginia Sandoval, John and wife Gloria Chavez, Phillip and wife Dolores Chavez, Anthonette and husband Scott Tregembo, Cecilia Chavez and partner Edward Bustamante, Donna and husband Kevin Saiz, and Chris and wife Kathy Chavez. He was preceded in death by his parent(s): Esquipula and Nicolasa Chavez, and siblings: Meraldo Chavez, Beneranda Mirabal, Clemente Chavez, Loriada Chavez, and Leopoldo Chavez. Juan and Teresa loved and cherished every moment spent with their fourteen grandchildren, their fifteen great-grandchildren and their one great-great-grandchild. Juan especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren's sporting events. He proudly attended many high school and college graduations, marriages, and baptisms. He was the pillar of our family and beamed with pride as his children and grandchildren accomplished their goals because of his strong belief in education. He was always there to support all of us in many different ways, which included participating in the Buddy Walk annually to honor one of his great-granddaughters who was born with Down syndrome. His love for all of us proved unwavering and unconditional until his last breath. Juan graduated from Grants High School in Grants, New Mexico in 1947. He was a strong and brave man even in his youth as he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged and was awarded the Bronze Star Ribbon in recognition of his courageous service to our country. He was a retired Postmaster, and we remember his long days of walking his route for the US Post Office. He also served as Chief for the Volunteer Fire Department in San Rafael, New Mexico. He was a proud member of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). He served the Lord as a devout Catholic and attended St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Mesa, AZ every Sunday. His devotion to our most Heavenly Father was what held our family together through the most challenging of times. No matter how difficult life became, our father, Juan never swayed from his faith. We will forever be touched by the love and memories of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, Juan Padilla Chavez. We will cherish the many wonderful memories until we meet again with our Lord in Heaven. A Rosary and memorial service will be held at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 1730 W. Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 12:30 pm. "Our Juan In A Million" will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
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