Rest In Peace

Mario Chavez, 82, passed away on Sunday August 20, 2023, after a valiant battle, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 45 years Rosa Gladys, his 2 children, 10 grandchildren and many friends.

He was born in Zacatecas, Mexico on September 17th, 1940, to proud parents Maria Soledad and Mario Chavez Sr. He had 4 siblings: Socorro, Arturo, Sonia and Javier. At a young age, his family relocated to the city of Guadalajara, Mexico where he studied and worked in the family bakery, and later drove busses, to help provide for his family. As a young man, he discovered the value of education. One of his greatest academic achievements was graduating with an Engineering Degree from Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara. As a young engineer, Mario designed many building projects in Mexico before deciding to make the United States his new home. Determined and eager to live the "American Dream", Mario packed a box with a few personal belongs (and his family dog Kifas) and headed to "Gringolandia."

In the beautiful City of Angels he met El Amor de su Vida, Rosa Gladys Sanchez. Together, they made a family with two children, Virginia Chavez and Mario Chavez Jr.  If you asked him, he was a father to many more and lovingly bragged about inheriting children along the way: Alex Sanchez, Claudia Escalante, Angie Saldivar, Monica Rubio, Norma Bermudez, Karla Montoya, Gabriel Nunez, Isauro Leon, Mauricio Aguiluz, Cesar Aguiluz and many more. Mario was honorable, kind, fair, wise, respected, loved and he reciprocated his love equally.

Mario worked endlessly to create opportunities for himself and his family. It took his blood, sweat and tears but ultimately became a proud and successful business owner of Fine Finishing Furniture for over 35 years. He was a natural leader, teacher and talented craftsman. He produced breathtaking pieces of furniture with the loyal assistance of the people who worked alongside him (Javier, Rodolfo, Hector, Miguel and many more). Mario set the example of living the "American Dream", he was a brilliant and hardworking man. He was a positive influence so many people along his journey, sacrificing so much to provide for his family.

Mario's grandchildren were his greatest treasures. They gave him the will to live. He was proud of them and fiercely loved them. Mario remains alive through each one of us, especially his grandchildren: Jennifer, Alex Jr, Genesis, Nicole, Sofia, Daniel, Andrea, Erick, Nairo and Egan.