Joseph Manuel Chavez

Resident of Santa Clara

Joseph lost his very courageous battle with cancer on May 27, 2010 at the age of fifty. Joseph was born in San Jose, California on March 24, 1960 to Joaquin and Caroline Chavez.

Joseph attended King City, California schools and graduated from King City High School in 1979. He married Laurie McGraw and through their union they produced two beautiful children, Jacqueline and David.

Joseph earned his apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker and was a member of the Local Sheet Metal Workers Union #104. He practiced and dedicated himself to his profession until his death.

Joe enjoyed spending time with family and friends, making people laugh with his intuitive sense of humor. He was a very caring and giving man, who would freely offer food and clothing to the needy in his neighborhood expecting nothing in return. He loved the outdoors and was an avid abalone fisherman.

Joseph was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Angel and Rayo Chavez & Manual and Ann Machado all of Santa Clara, CA, Uncles Floyd Glica of Dunsmuir, CA, and Victor Chargin of San Jose, CA, Aunt Teresa Glica of Dunsmuir, CA, his brother, John of Greenfield, CA and cousins, Robert Chavez of Rhoda, Spain, and David Glica of Dunsmuir, CA.

He is survived his two children, Jacqueline and David of Santa Clara, CA, by his parents, Joaquin and Caroline Chavez of Medford, OR, his brothers, Robert (Barbara) Chavez of Susanville, CA and Thomas (Tina) Chavez of Ashland, OR, his four sisters, Margaret (Tom) Tenold of Bonanza, OR, Elizabeth Manfredi of Fresno, CA, Caroline (Fred) Gaghan currently deployed in Afghanistan, and Mary Dreyer of Santa Rosa, CA and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and second cousins.

Joseph will be greatly missed by those he graced with his sunny disposition, positive attitude and love & appreciation of life. We will always remember Joe as a caring son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend. As a new chapter in our lives evolves, "our Joseph is at peace with God".

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joseph's name to the American Cancer Society. A Memorial service will be held at Lima Family Mortuary Santa Clara on Sat. June 19 at 11:00 AM.

Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, Santa Clara, CA.