Johnny Chavez

Prayer of the Sacred Heart of Jesus "O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You..." and requesting virtues like humility, patience, and purity, along with help in times of need, sickness, and the grace of a holy death, concluding with "Heart of Jesus, help me. Amen"

Johnny B. ChavezAlbuquerque, NMJuly 2, 1936 – January 5, 2026 Johnny B. Chavez, age 89, peacefully passed away and went into the arms of Jesus on January 5, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of his family. Johnny was born on July 2, 1936, in his grandmother’s home in the beautiful mountains of Torreon, New Mexico, to his parents, Juan C. Chavez and Rafaelita Sanchez Chavez. Johnny met the love of his life, Vitalina Zamora Chavez, and they were married on June 17, 1967, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful life in Estancia, raising six children and sharing a lifetime of love and devotion. Johnny was a hardworking man who spent many years as a land surveyor, responsible for mapping much of New Mexico. He was a loving, easygoing husband, father (Dad), grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Strong in his faith, Johnny was devoted to his Catholic religion and was often seen praying and faithfully reciting the Rosary each day. As he slowed down with age, he cherished the small quiet moments at home, especially spending time with one of his greatest joys—his great-granddaughter, Valeriana  Vitalina—whom he lovingly called “my little Vitalina.”Johnny’s family and friends will always remember him for his unwavering faith, kindness, and deep love for those around him. He was a man of understanding, compassion, and integrity—a guiding light to everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vitalina Z. Chavez; his parents, Juan C. Chavez and Rafaelita Sanchez Chavez; his daughter, Geneva; and all the loved ones who passed before him. Johnny is survived by his loving daughter, Francine Chavez; sons, Patrick Zamora and wife Gwen Zamora, Florencio Zamora, George Chavez, and Andrew Chavez; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 12, 2025, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Estancia, New Mexico. The viewing will be at 9:00 a.m. the Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am with the celebration of Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date. A reception will follow at the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Center in Estancia, New Mexico All family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate Johnny’s life.Pallbearers are Tyro Ortiz, Patrick Zamora, Seth Chavez, Tomas Zamora, Brandon Lopez, and Mark Martinez. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Harris-Hanlon Mortuary in Moriarty, New Mexico.