Maximiliano Chavez

Obituary of Maximiliano Francisco Chavez

Maximiliano Francisco Chavez died peacefully on June 19, 2022, at the age of 82. 

 

Max was born and lived most of his life in New Mexico. He graduated from UNM in 1959 with a Fine Arts degree-focus in photography, served in the Marine Reserve from 1961-67, and cofounded the 10 Craftsman Gallery along with the Southwest Arts and Crafts Festival. Max brought beauty to churches, hospitals, hotels, businesses, homes, meeting rooms, and so much more with his incredible artistry and craftsmanship. One of Max’s most treasured creations was St. Charles Borromeo Church, where he was also a parish member and volunteer. His faith was strong and was experienced by all who knew and loved him. Max was also a devoted Lobo fan, attending any and all sporting events. He proudly wore UNM hats and jackets, pairing them with his favorite Hawaiian shirt of the moment. 

 

Max is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Rose Chavez, brother Ernest Chavez, and beloved son Karl Chavez. 

 

Max is survived by his sweetheart of 44 years, Rita Giannini, sister Carmen Duran, his children Lisa Chavez, David Chavez, and Lauren Chavez, his “bonus children” Armand Giannini, Michael Giannini, and Lisa Brunacini, along with his grandchildren Victoria, Julie, Lauren, Armand, Tyler, George and Lillian, and many nieces and nephews. 

 

We will remember Max for his genuine kindness, unlimited support, accepting nature, and devout faith. He had the innate ability to make everyone around him feel loved and included and also made them laugh with his grand sense of humor.  Max will also be remembered for the beautiful art he created with wood and stained glass, making spaces feel like experiences and functional pieces like sculptures. His passion for art was a gift he cherished until the end. Max enjoyed the process of designing and once admitted that when sketching, “I feel as if time doesn’t exist, a peace settles within me .” Max was ready to meet the Lord with his chisel and hammer in hand and to make any adjustments or repairs necessary on the Pearly Gates once he got there. He was excited about his new challenge.  

 

Services will be held on Thursday, July 7, at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Rosary at 9:30 a.m., the celebration of Mass at 10:00 a.m., and reception immediately following Mass in St. Charles Gymnasium. 

 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Charles Borromeo School, 1801 Hazeldine Ave SE 87106. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maximiliano Chavez, please visit Tribute Store
A Memorial Tree was planted for Maximiliano
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque
Share Your Memory of
Maximiliano