Jose Davalos

DAVALOS, Jose

Founder of El Novillero Mexican Restaurant, affluent member in the Sacramento Mexican community and beloved family patriarch died Wednesday. He was 80 years old and died of colon cancer.

Mr. Davalos, affectionately known as ''El Chino'', because of his unruly curly hair, was born in Fort Collins, Colo., in 1928, and moved to Zalatitan, Mexico, as an infant with his Mexican-born parents. He soon returned to Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 18. Mr. Davalos worked his way through odd jobs as a field worker in the tomato fields, a laborer at the Campbell Soup Company, a butcher for Royal Meat Packing and Purita Sausage.

He met his wife Esperanza as she waited on his table at a restaurant in downtown Sacramento. The day he met her, he vowed to marry her. Mr. Davalos stuck to his word and they married and started a family of one daughter and four sons. Jose and Esperanza renewed their vows this year to commemorate their 60-year anniversary.

Mr. Davalos opened up several Mexican restaurants in Downtown Sacramento, serving comfort food to homesick Mexican laborers. He served huevos rancheros, chili verde, and carnitas, which would prove to be his specialty. He owned the 924 Club, El Azteca Bar, the Log Cabin, the Metro Club, 524 Restaurant and El Matador Club.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Davalos founded and was president of the Charros of California, an organization that promotes and maintains the tradition of the charriada in Mexican communities throughout California.

In 1970, he bought the hamburger stand next to the Matador Club and gave it to his newly graduated son, Joe Davalos Jr. At the age of 17, Joe opened up El Novillero Restaurant, meaning ''The Apprentice Bullfighter''.

Mr. Davalos later sold the Matador Club in the mid-1970s and worked as a music promoter while his sons worked at the family restaurant. El Novillero Restaurant has been a Sacramento staple and celebrated its 39th anniversary this past July.

Mr. Davalos retired in the 1990s, and enjoyed his hobby of racing horses at Cal Expo and Los Alamitos Race Course. Mr. Davalos was a family man, and enjoyed his final years with his family. He was loved by many, including his children Susan Davalos (wife of the late Daniel Rodriguez), Joe Jr., (husband of Connie Davalos), Bob (husband of Joanne Davalos), Albert (husband of Lupe Davalos) and Fred.

Mr. Davalos was proud of his growing family, and loved every one of his nine grandchildren and two great-grandaughters.

Mr. Davalos will be missed by many and will be remembered for his strong will, dedicated work ethic and charming smile.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing at 3:00 p.m. and Rosary at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, at Chapel of Flowers - George L. Klumpp, 2691 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818.

Mass will be held Monday, August 31, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 730 S Street, Sacramento 95811.

Mr. Davalos will be laid to rest following the mass at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 6700 21st Ave., Sacramento, CA 95820.