Laurence Justinian Chavez

Laurence Justinian Chavez age 93, passed away peacefully at his home Friday June 2, 2023. In Albuquerque, NM. He was born September 5^th, 1929, to his parents Alfredo and Frances (Rivera) Chavez, in Albuquerque NM.  The youngest of 9 children.

Laurence was preceded in death by grandson Dominic G. Romero.

Laurence is survived by his wife of 66 years, Epifania B. (Baca) Chavez; son Laurence John Chavez and wife Patricia, their children, Brittania and Sharee; daughter Nanette Romero and husband Gilbert, daughter Monique; daughter Ramona Ladner and husband Mark, their children, Adam and Adrienne; daughter Patricia (Tish) Sedillo and husband Matthew; son Matthew, wife Kristen, and children, Jaryn, Julian, Ryan and Sophia.

Laurence is also survived by his childhood friend Ben Jaramillo.

Laurence retired from Sandia National Laboratories as a Procurement Analyst with 36 ½ years of service.  He served two years in the Army during the Korean War and served in the NM Air National Guard, retiring with 20 years of total service as a Master Sargent in food services.

Of many accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of raising his family, volunteer work with St. Jude Express, delivering medical supplies, food, clothes and school desks and hope to the poorest of the poor in Mexico, and throughout the Southwest.  He was involved in ministries at St. Bernadette Parish. He also donated over twenty-five gallons of blood to the United Blood Services of NM. Laurence also volunteered for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau, at the Albuquerque International Sunport, greeting visitors from all over the United States and the world. He loved sharing his culture, as well as activities and information about our great city and state.

Laurence enjoyed daily walks through the neighborhoods, near his home, collecting “treasures” that he would stumble upon.  He was the subject of an article in the Albuquerque Journal, detailing his adventures. He cherished traveling with his family and friends, making lifelong friends and memories with those he met along the way.

He loved cooking and welcoming family and friends to celebrations at their home, while enjoying an adult beverage or two.  He would often break into song at the dinner table and at times dance the “Barelas Shuffle”, for anyone to listen and watch.  He especially loved dancing with his wife Epi!!

Some of his favorite forms of entertainment included listening to music, Broadway musicals, Western movies, sports, and Professional Wrestling.

Laurence may be gone, but he has left a legacy of Faith, Love, Hope and Charity, as well as the good times for all of us to continue.

Services:

Thursday, July 20^th, 2023

Rosary – 9:30am

Mass – 10:00am

St. Bernadette Parish

11509 Indian School Rd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87112

Interment:

Friday, July 21^st 10:30am

Santa Fe National Cemetery

501 N. Guadalupe St.

Santa Fe, NM

Daniels Family Funeral Services

3113 Carlisle Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

505-884-1188