Joe A. Chavez

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joe Arturo Chavez, who entered eternal rest and reunited with the love of his life Joyce, and his sons Joseph, Christopher, and Richard on April 22, 2026. Born on March 19, 1935, in Socorro, New Mexico, Joe was raised in the South Valley as part of one of its founding families. He proudly lived his entire life and raised his family in the South Valley.

Joe Chavez was known as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a proud veteran and dedicated his career to serving his country by working for the Air National Guard, served in the Pueblo Incident in Korea, and worked in the 150th Special Operations Wing nicknamed the “Tacos” unit. Joe was an exceptionally skilled man and was known to be able to fix anything with his ability to self-educate himself on any of his interests. Born on the feast day of St. Joseph, Joe was a carpenter and practiced traditional New Mexican woodwork. He was a mechanic through his trade on aircrafts and fixing and maintaining all his vehicles. Joe was an exceptional photographer taking his camera with him all over the world during his work in the military but mostly captured every single family gathering and special moments.

Above all Joe was a man of faith and family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family that he created through the powerful and divine love he had for his wife Joyce. As the gentle, patient, and devoted patriarch of the Chavez family our strength and unity came from Joe and the unconditional love that he showed us all. He made our lives magical and provided his family with the ultimate example of a good honorable man. His life and legacy are interwoven in our memory, and we will draw upon his light until we all meet again.

Joe Chavez is survived by his children and their spouses Marybeth and Ray Dominguez, Jim Chavez, Jane Chavez and Frank Carejo, and Will and Lupe Chavez and his 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.