Rafael Chavez Sr.

Long time educator, Rafael (Ralph) Chavez, 85, passed away on April 30, 2022.  The native El Pasoan began his teaching career working for the Catholic Diocese before going to Canutillo, El Paso ISD, and to Tucson, AZ.  His only brother was Abraham Chavez Jr., violinist and conductor of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.  Parents were Abraham Chavez Sr. and Longina Baca Chavez.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolina and their four children: Yvonne Trillo (Arthur), Rafael Chavez Jr. (Isabel), Belinda Cardenas (Jose) and Marie Ramos (Joe).  Five grandchildren are Arthur Trillo Jr., Selina Cardenas, Andrea Trillo, Samantha Ramos-Castro (Daniel), Sabrina Ramos and great granddaughter, Amelia Rose Castro.  He is also survived by brother-in-law, Antonio (Tony) Fernandez, his niece; Lisa Chavez-Vasquez, and his nephews; Eduardo Chavez Sr. and Abraham Chavez III.

Ralph’s 42 years in education began at St. Mary’s, Our Lady of the Valley, and Sacred Heart Schools, but his career with public schools started at Socorro, when the district consisted of one school.  Moving to Canutillo, he enjoyed many years as a teacher, coach and administrator when the district was just opening.  While at Canutillo, he was named Texas Journalism Teacher of the Year.  His next stop was Jefferson High School where his students earned many honors and was chosen the Top Journalism Teacher in the Nation.  For one year, he was the Director of Student Publications and Instructor at Texas Western College, where he received two degrees.  Later, Ralph was to return as Principal at Jefferson High School after serving ten years as Henderson Middle School Principal.  His career took him to Tucson, AZ to Journalism Instructor at Pima Community College, to the Tucson Unified School District, and then to Luz Guerrero Early College, where he concluded his career as a teacher and principal.  While teaching at Pima, where he built up the department, he was named Arizona’s Outstanding Journalism Educator.  In Tucson, he developed and organized the Tucson Metropolitan Education Commission, still in existence today.

His love for the written word (and photography) must have begun at El Paso High School, where he worked on the “Tatler” and the “Spur”.  He was also elected Student Body Program Manager and Student Body President.  As a dedicated Tiger, he volunteered many years first as Band Booster and later as the PTA President.  He was extremely proud and happy that every one of his four children graduated from “La High”.  In 1983, the EPHS Alumnus Association honored Ralph as their “Outstanding Ex Student”.  When he was at Canutillo, Ralph was an influential leader both at the junior and the senior high schools, teaching journalism students to earn first class and All-American ratings.  In addition, his students received many awards in competitive speaking events.  Ralph’s girls’ basketball teams continually ranked at the top.  In 2007, the Canutillo district honored him by naming their new facility, the “Ralph Chavez Gymnasium Complex”.

Ralph was a strong believer in his faith, a member if the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish and a member of the original Knights of Columbus council in El Paso.  In Tucson, he continued with the Knights and volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, both in Tucson and El Paso.

For those who are unable to attend, services will be streamed live on Facebook (no account is needed)

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