Frank Chavarria

It is with heavy, yet grateful hearts, that we celebrate the life of Frank Chavarria Jr. as he joins his beloved wife in the glory of the Lord's rest. Frank passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones.

As we look back over a life lived with dignity and integrity, we reflect upon a man who accomplished much as a Korean War Naval Veteran, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Loving Husband. Frank was born in Maysfield, Texas, on August 6, 1932, to Francisco Chavarria Sr. and Matilda De La Rosa. On August 6, 1952, Frank hitchhiked from Beaumont to Orange, Texas, to enlist in the US Navy, where he would serve as a Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class. In the midst of preparing for one of his departures from port he met the love of his life and future wife, Lillie Mendez. Upon returning, Frank went and found Lillie and with a little persistence and a lot of love, they were married on February 15, 1957, and rode off in Frank’s red and white ‘57 Chevy.

Although his love for Lillie was deep, most would say that his love for baseball and the New York Yankees was just as steadfast. Frank loved the game and everything it encompassed; he especially loved watching his grandkids play. You could always look in the stands and know he would be there because he never missed a practice or game.

In addition to being such a great family man, he was a father figure and mentor to many as his compassion, strength, and love were always available to reassure those who needed it. Men like Frank are a rare breed and are to be recognized for the important role they play in the development of those they love.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie; parents, Frank Sr. and Matilda; brothers, Lawrence and Jessie Chavarria; and lifelong friends Toby Garcia Sr., Dennis Garza, and Barney Santana. He is survived by his brothers, Leo and wife Connie Chavarria and Oscar and wife Helen Chavarria of Bryan; brother-in-laws, Victor Mendez of Montgomery, Alabama, DR Mendez and wife Mary of Bryan, and Robert Mendez and wife Lupe of College Station; a sister-in-law, Ann Ramirez of Bryan; daughter, Adela Chavarria and husband Robert Garcia; six grandchildren Amos Frank and wife Lauren Trejo, Ashley Trejo and Ana Alicia Rivera, Jon Paul Trejo, Andrew Escobar, and Manny and Jonathan Garcia; four great-grandchildren Mya and Eli Rodriquez, Makayla Trejo and Maddie Trejo, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Brazos Valley Hospice, especially Leddi Grall for providing such amazing care to Frank and his family during this time.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 9th at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan with the rosary to begin at 7 p.m. Frank's Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, September 10th at 10:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bryan. Interment and final military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.