Alfredo "Peanuts" Chavez, Jr.

Alfredo “Peanuts” Chavez, Jr., of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on September 21, 2026, in Albuquerque. He was born on January 17, 1939, in Duran, New Mexico.

Peanuts lived a life marked by devotion to country, steady work, and deep love for his family. He entered the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and went on to serve for 22 1/2 years, of which he served three tours in Vietnam, and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. As a mechanic in the Army, is military service reflected courage and commitment, and remarkably, was a Purple Heart recipient, among many other accommodations.

After his years in uniform, he continued his life of service through his work with Albuquerque Public Schools, where he spent 20 years working in Industrial Arts. In both callings, he was known through the strength of his labor and the constancy of his dedication.

Beyond his work, Peanuts found joy in the outdoors and in the company of those he loved most. He loved hunting and fishing with his family in Pecos, New Mexico, making memories that will remain cherished by all who shared those times with him. Peanuts not only loved to hunt and fish, but he especially enjoyed opportunities to travel with his wife and go on as many adventures as they could. If you know him, you know that he also loved his Casino days. Those moments of togetherness, rooted in family and the beauty of New Mexico, formed an enduring part of his life’s happiness with friends and family.

Above all, Peanuts was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He also leaves behind his son, Alfredo III and his wife, Wendy; his daughter Judith Bustos and her husband, Pete Bustos; his daughter Diana and her husband, Len Antone; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and then the first, great-great-grandson Grayson, his sister Alice, and husband, Abel Anaya; along with several nieces and nephews. Each of them carries forward the love, strength, and example he gave so freely throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alfredo Sr.; his mother, Trenidad Sanchez; and his brother, Raymond Chavez. Their memories remained part of the story of his life, and now he rests with those who went before him.

Visitation will be held on October 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Funeral Home - Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. A Prayer Service will follow there from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Alfredo “Peanuts” Chavez, Jr. will be remembered with love, gratitude, and honor—for his faithful service, his hardworking spirit, and the lasting bond he shared with his family. His memory will remain a blessing to all who knew him.