Born April 2, 1940 and passed away January 5, 2022. Born and raised in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico, J. Guadalupe Francisco "Paco" Chavez came to the US in 1963, initially settling in the Imperial Valley in southern California. There, he worked the fields alongside his older brother, Jose, and was fortunate to have his residency sponsored by his employer. Unsatisfied with the working conditions, he headed north to San Jose and joined his eldest brother, Jesus. In San Jose, he worked in many capacities, as a dishwasher, cook, and car washer, until he found his niche as a paint maker and lacquer finisher. He loved working on cars, literature, especially that of John Steinbeck, photography, and writing. His life story is encapsulated in the book Migrant Longing written by Miroslava Chavez Garcia, PhD, his beloved niece. The incredible narrative is based on over 300 letters that he kept and outline the journey of many Mexican men who depart from home to find work in the US to help their families back in Mexico, with the simple dream of providing a better life for themselves and their families. That was Paco's legacy - to help others in need and make a better foundation for his children. A founding member of PACT (People Acting in Community Together), he and his wife, Beatriz, worked tirelessly to help improve the community of downtown San Jose for their children and neighbors. He is survived by his two daughters, Alicia Robertson and Gloria Chavez. May his memory be a blessing to everyone who knew him for the man that he was -- inside and out.

Services will be held Saturday, January 22, at 12:00 pm at Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd., Saratoga.