Alfredo "Sonny" Chavez Obituary

Alfredo “Sonny” Chavez, 86 passed away peacefully on October 4, 2024, at his home in Los Lunas, NM. 

Sonny was born on June 18, 1938 in Puerto de Luna, NM to Alfredo and Otilia Chavez. He was a proud resident of Santa Rosa for most of his life and was a 1958 graduate of Santa Rosa High School. He served in the US Air force and was stationed in Greenland.

Sonny owned and operated Sonny’s Bar for many years. He held several political offices in his career to include Guadalupe County Clerk, Guadalupe County Commissioner, City of Santa Rosa Mayor and Santa Rosa Municipal Judge. He worked for several years at GEO Group. One of the many accomplishments as mayor that he was proud of was managing the City of Santa Rosa’s finance and administration at a highly critical time when it was on the verge of deficit and poised to quickly expand in the direction that it was peaking in years later. He had many cherished memories of all the offices he held and the people he worked with.

Sonny had recently retired and was very outgoing and loved his family so much. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to him, and he would do anything he could for them. He never missed a sporting event when his grandchildren were in school and would be sure to let the refs know when he disagreed with one of their decisions.

Sports and politics were two of Sonny’s favorite passions. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and LA Dodgers fan and of course a huge Santa Rosa Lion fan. If there was a sport on the television, he was watching.

Sonny had the ability to make anyone smile. He loved to joke and tease his family and friends. If you knew him, you are familiar with his expressions. How are you doing Sonny? He would say: “Terrible.” Good morning, Sonny! He would say: “What’s so good about it?”

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents Alfredo and Tillie Chavez, his late Wife Gloria, his sister Rita Baca, and his brother Nicky Chavez.

He is survived by his children, Francisco (Taira) of Los Lunas and his daughter Yolanda (Joe) of Albuquerque. His sister Juanita of Albuquerque, and his brother Dicky (Rose) of Albuquerque. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

The memorial Mass will be Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, with Father Sotero Sena officiating.

Interment of cremains will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa with Sonny's grandchildren: Nick Roybal, Jesus Roybal, Ricardo Roybal, Renae Roybal, Christopher (CJ) Roybal, and Brookelynn Houston serving as Urn Bearers.

Honorary Urn Bearers are: His great-grandchildren as well as Pat Cordova, Orlando Garcia, William Griego, Martin Martinez, Paul Martinez, Vidal Trujillo, Debbie Ulibarri, Mero Maestas, Adolfo Cordova, Jess Silva, and Tessa Salas Gauna.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.