Thomas S. Chavez

Thomas S. Chavez, age 86, of Gilroy died on June 15, 2023, due to dementia related complications. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marla J. Chavez; his mother, Grace Chavez; his father, Simon Chavez; his sister, Adeline; and his brother, Simon (Uncle Junior). Tom is survived by his son, Tom Chavez (Gondie); his daughter, Corby Chavez; his daughter, Kelly Chavez Johnson (Brad); his grandsons, Garrett Chavez (Nyssa) and Matthew Chavez; as well as granddaughters, Kara Johnson (Garren) and Amber Chavez (Martin). He is also survived by his sister, Eloisa.

Tom attended Gilroy High School, where he earned the reputation for being an exceptional athlete. He competed in football, basketball and tennis. He was very proud to have been on the varsity football team that beat their rival team in Hollister, Calif., in both 1955 and 1956 seasons after many years of losses. Tom's life changed when his basketball coach introduced him to his future wife, Marla Conrotto, at a school dance. They married soon after they had both graduated from high school and wasted no time in starting their family, buying a house and getting on with life. Tom worked very hard and long hours through his adult life as a manager for the Flying "A" service station and later for Mike Conrotto Trucking, where he eventually retired as part owner. He wasn't done yet, however, and soon purchased the iconic Jim's Sport Shop in Gilroy. He changed the name to Tom's Sporting Goods and continued to operate for another thirteen years before retiring for good.

Tom, along with his wife, was very proud of their children and grandchildren and made great efforts to follow their activities. If there was a sporting event, an academic award, dance recital or a graduation, they were somewhere in the crowd of supporters. He loved working around the house as a self-professed plumber, house painter, carpenter and more. Throughout his life, he was able to carve out time to enjoy many of his favorite activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping; always with his family and a very special group of friends. Another pastime he cherished was playing the card game "Pedro" with his family. He will forever be remembered for his special way of bidding and driving his partners crazy.

Tom's later years were filled with family vacations and trips, as well as hours of working on his boats and fishing equipment. Tom will be fondly remembered for his dedication to his wife, family, friends and as a true role model for being successful through sheer hard work and determination.

Tom and Marla wished to have a funeral service and a celebration of life for them both after they both had passed away. The service will be at 10:00 a.m. on July 31, 2023, at Saint Mary Parish Church in Gilroy, and the celebration will be at 11:00 a.m. on July 31, 2023, at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gilroy. Lunch will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, they would like donations to go to the Lord's Table of Gilroy or the American Cancer Society.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · June 27, 2023