Jose Ernesto Chacon

Jose Ernesto Chacon, or Neto as those close to him called him, was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on December 25th, 1928 to Facundo Chacon and Alejandrina Gonzales. He was the eldest brother to five other children, Maria Spoor, Jose Manuel Chacon, Elena Zambrano, Maximo Chacon, and Bridget Pierce. At age 16, he became a merchant marine in 1944, before ultimately marrying who would be the love of his life, Chela Velasquez on November 1st, 1952. They would have two children together, Joseph and Facundo Chacon, before eventually moving to the United States in 1958 and having their third and final child, Graciela. Family meant everything to Neto, so with much sacrifice, he helped many extended family members in Honduras, come to the United States. Wanting to provide the best opportunities for his family, Neto went into business with his brother, Jose, where they owned a jewelry store before he eventually retired with his wife and moved to Orlando, Fl. to be closer with their children in 1998. During his retirement, Neto and Chela became active with Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. They were Eucharistic ministry leaders for the Hispanic congregation and would also take communion to members unable to attend regular services due to various medical conditions. Neto received an award from the Catholic diocese for his faithful and excellent service to the community. Neto also was an active member of Honduras Relief, a cause he believed deeply in, particularly after the devastation of Hurricane Mitch which left many families and children in need. He would help raise funds and personally sponsor many of the children through monthly financial commitments. Neto died in his home on October 9th, 2017, but will be remembered by those who were closet to him and through all the lives he touched.