- Date Of Birth: February 20, 1915
- Date Of Death: December 3, 2016
- State: Arizona
Preciliano Chavez, 101, of Flagstaff, Arizona, passed away on December 3rd, 2016. Preciliano was born in Cubero, NM, on February 20th, 1915. The oldest of eight children, born into a ranching family, he grew up both on the ranch his family owned and in the town of Grants, NM. He was able to successfully attend school and was part of the first graduating class from Grants High School in 1933, and he went on to take classes at The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Preciliano married is wife, Chrysanta, at Santa Theresita Catholic Church on February 10th, 1936. Shortly there after, he began his 10-year career with The Zuni Milling Company, mining fluorspar. Since this was considered an “essential government job aiding the war effort”, he was deferred from the draft during WWII. Enduring life through The Great Depression and WWII proved challenging and their resilience and caring nature for their family is attributed to this experience.
In 1953, Preciliano moved his family west to Arizona for promising new opportunities. In Belmont, Preciliano found work at the army base as an “ammunition handler” for three years before moving to Flagstaff. The family moved through a number of residences until finding their permanent home in Old Town in 1964. His home cost him $7,000, which he was very proud to be able to afford at the time. In Flagstaff, Preciliano held many jobs , including: Chacon’s Grocery Store, and The Southwest Mill. Around 1958, he was hired to work at Babbitt’s Lumberyard. He gave 21 years of “hard-work” there until his retirement. He often remembered life in Flagstaff as being challenging, and Flagstaff itself being much smaller and simpler.
As the Chavez Family grew in Flagstaff, Preciliano and Chrysanta’s home became the family gathering spot for Sunday dinner, as well as family birthdays and all holidays. Over the years, Preciliano enjoyed sharing stories of his past and always reminded everyone of how easy our lives really are. His shy and reserved demeanor often gave the impression that there was not much to say, yet a simple question would produce a very long, enthusiastic answer.
In his later years, Preciliano enjoyed spending time with his family, attending weekly mass followed by breakfast at Coco’s, and outings around town so he could see how Flagstaff had grown. He enjoyed watching baseball and would cheer on The Diamondbacks. Given his roots, he also eagerly cheered on The Lobos of The University of New Mexico.
Preciliano is survived by five generations of his family which include, his son, Isidro (Tom) Chavez; daughters, Melba (Ralph) Reyes and Gloria Chavez and 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 37 great-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Kate Savedra, Mellie Rael, Dora Marez, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Chrysanta Chavez; sons, Preciliano Jr. and Joseph; daughters, Melbita, Josephine, Pat Hernandez, Corrine Hernandez, Theresa Clerry and son-in-law, Sam Clerry, and granddaughter, Valerie Hernandez. Also preceding him in death are his parents, Isidro and Isabelita Chavez; brothers: Leopolodo, Fernandez and Fred, and sister, Daisy Ortiz.
