Emilio Vincente Chavez

A coach to many and a Papa to all – Emilio was born on April 5, 1936 in Las Cruces, NM to, Jose “Ray” Reyes Chavez and Guadalupe “Lupe” Duran Chavez. He was the eldest of 4, having two brothers; Thomas and David and a sister, Darlene. He loved them all so dearly. Emilio was very proud of his deep, native roots living on the Santo Domingo Indian Reservation. He often told stories of his Hoop Dancing days and the struggles, yet the appreciation of life he had received while on the reservation. His family eventually moved to Morenci, AZ where he would attend Morenci HS, lettering in football. His nickname back then was “Flacko”. After graduation, Emilio was given $1,000 and after trying to hitchhike on one side of the road and failing to get picked up, he made his way to the other side and ended up in Southern California where he enlisted into the US Navy. He entered September 13, 1955 serving as a fireman on the USS Hancock CVA19 Aircraft Carrier. Making his way into San Pedro, he met his match in 1956. A feisty, little classy tomboy – Paula (Polly) Nuno. After many run-ins and “I wanna take her outs”, Emilio and Polly had their first date at the Pike in Long Beach. Paula has told us that she would tell her friends, “I would never, ever marry a Navy boy” but even to this day, with a little blush in her face, she says, “But then I began to miss him”. On November 30, 1957, on a 72-hour leave, Emilio and Polly got married in the old Holy Trinity church in San Pedro. 22 days later, he was deployed to Japan for the next 9 months. He was honorably discharged on August 11, 1959. He and Polly would have two daughters, Yvonne and Lisa. Emilio had been employed with Sears & Roebuck during its opening years. But some of his proudest moments were when he was the Sports Program Director and Coach for the Boys Club of San Pedro. Although he was not originally from San Pedro, you would never know it because this man loved this city and was a mentor to so many young people during what he would call his “Glory Days”. One thing he was proud of was receiving the New Orleans Key to the City and Honorary Citizen Award when he took his basketball team and won in New Orleans. He loved being involved with the community and loved providing for his family. As a matter of fact, there was nothing this man would not do for his family. He even took a job as a security guard at San Pedro High School so that he could watch over his girls who were attending at the time. He also worked security on the Princess Louise where he was so loved. During this time, he was also a Casual Longshore Worker. He would eventually become a Longshoreman in 1987. This is when he officially knew everyone and couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized, whether in town, in Hawaii, even Las Vegas and Laughlin. He enjoyed sending and taking his family on vacations especially to Morenci where he grew up and he could spend time with his brother, sister-in-law and nieces and nephews. He also loved his cars and technology. Always needing the newest models and latest gadgets. He especially loved going fishing with his brother-in-law and their annual trips to Loreto. He and Polly were eventually blessed with 5 grandchildren overtime; Andrea (Brian), Sara, Star, Anita, Paula and Luis and 5 Great-Grandchildren Briana, Brian Jr., Anthony, Nathan and Isabella. He retired as a longshoreman in 1999. As mentioned, Emilio loved San Pedro as if it were his own. He was a long-time SPHS Booster Club Member earning the Booster Member of the Year award in 1997. He loved Friday nights at Daniels Field and even some Saturday nights watching Mary Star HS. He was at every game and competition during the time his granddaughters were attending SPHS. He was more than proud when his only grandson started playing football for his beloved Pirates. And he was ecstatic and loved going to as many home softball games as he could once “His Girl” (great-granddaughter) started playing for Pedro. He was always so proud of ALL “his kids”. Emilio entered Gods Kingdom on September 14, 2019 at 12:36 pm surrounded by those who loved him truly. He has left us all with many memories and wonderful stories and we know that he will forever watch over those he really loved.