David Arthur Chavez March 9, 1952 - Oct. 3, 2009 Resident of El Cerrito Beloved son of Arthur and Frances Chavez, long time residents of El Cerrito and members of St John the Baptist Catholic Church, died at age 57 after a brief illness. David attended St John's Elementary School in El Cerrito for 8 years, graduated from Salesian High School in Richmond, and attended college at UC Berkeley. He worked 2 years as an orderly at Brookside Hospital in San Pablo. In his youth, he was considered to be brilliant and he was kind, popular, and athletic. Sadly, he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia when he was 21 years old and struggled through a difficult life marked with social isolation and anxiety. Throughout his trials he always tried to help those less fortunate and had a generous and thoughtful spirit. He found profound comfort in a large loving extended family and in his strong Christian faith. He is survived by his three sisters: Mary Lelonde, Donna Campo, and Anna Verbanac; his brothers-in-law: Rick Lelonde, and Alfred Campo; and nieces and nephews: Pamela Lelonde, Angela and Nicholas Verbanac, Brian and Elysa Campo; and great-nephew Ayden Orr. In addition, he will be missed by many cousins. David, may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand for all eternity. Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Doctors Hospital, Martinez County Hospital, Rubicon, and David's caregivers: Debbie and Mildred. Friends and family are invited to the Rosary on October 7th, at 7:30pm at Wilson & Kratzer's Mission Bells Chapel; 13644 San Pablo Ave. in San Pablo; and the funeral service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in El Cerrito on October 8th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hanna Boys Center, PO Box 100, Sonoma, CA 95476-0100; or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 11156 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530. Wilson & Kratzer (510) 232-6552

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Shares a gravesite with his grandmother, Mary Favero

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