Nick Lawrence Chavarria, age 62, was born July 23, 1961, in Salinas, California to Nick G. Chavarria and Ernestine S. Chavarria and passed away December 29, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Nick is survived by his wife, Susanne Chavarria; daughters: Christine Leal and Mandy Burns; and sons: Raul Anthony Leal and Kevin Burns. Nick is also survived by his sisters: Irene Barela, Carol Martinez (Steve Schultz), Rebecca Rosa, Debra Rouse, Christine Chavarria (Kim Spelts); as well as two grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his son, Nick Ezekiel Chavarria III.
As a young man, Nick served honorably in the Coast Guard as a Fireman Apprentice. Throughout his life Nick worked tirelessly to support his family; as a landscaping business owner; assisting couples and families celebrate special moments in their lives as part of his management roles for companies including Zale’s, Jared’s, and Samuels; and as a business executive for Verizon. He served all his customers with integrity and care.
Nick was passionate about his family and, along with his beloved wife Sue, loved to host holiday gatherings and family events. Those who were welcomed into Nick and Sue’s home were treated with warmth, inclusion, and respect. He also loved to fish, spend time at the firing range, and travel the world. He found peace every day walking their dogs, Gracie and Liam.
He was fiercely loyal to and protective of everyone he loved. He was outgoing and would strike up a conversation with anyone willing to take part. He was genuinely interested in the stories and histories of people who crossed his path. All those who met him were struck by his intelligence, enthusiasm, and charm.
Nick was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He created a legacy of love, respect, and dedication for family members, family history, and the word of God. He will be missed everyday by everyone who loved him.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 am Monday, January 8, 2024, at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910 with inurnment to follow. A Celebration of Life to follow at the American Legion Post 209, 3613 Jeannine Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.
Shanna, Daniel, and Evangalena Briano
4 Jan 2024“It’s okay to miss them,” Loss isn’t a straight road with a natural end. It’s a circular path under an uncertain sky. Sometimes there’s a downpour, and then there’s a drought. The only sure thing is that it always returns. Our family will forever miss Uncle Nick and his shenanigans. He is truly loved and will be in our hearts forever. Until we meet again, Tío.
Sherish Mante "Mindy"
4 Jan 2024To His lovely Wife and Chrissy and Raul. Please accept our families deepest condolences.. from the Mante family.
Nick seemed very happy and at a peaceful place in his life with his beautiful Wife and family. It was awesome to see him so happy.
He was hard headed and cool trying to keep all us kids in line at times.
Rest in peace Nick you will be missed.
Anonymous
4 Jan 2024My deepest condolences nick was an amazing guy he will be deeply missed..
Eric Sells
4 Jan 2024My condolences to the family and sending prayers and love ‘ I had the privilege of knowing and sharing a special friendship and brother hood with him and now a life time of memories ‘ especially in martial arts ‘ may you rest in the arms of Jesus 💙
Gina Chamness
4 Jan 2024Dearest Sue, my deepest condolences to you and your family! Nick was one of a kind! This world needs more MEN like Mr Chavarria! May God wrap his arms about you during this time of great sorrow! I’m praying for you! I love you! Gina
Art and LaDene Galimba
4 Jan 2024Christine Leal and family …
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are for you that the Lord will hold you in arms of comfort and give you strength. We love you 🥰
Christian Guzman
4 Jan 2024R.I.P. Nick. It was a pleasure and a blessing to have you in Men of Integrity. Although you’re no longer with us physically, I know you’ll always be with us spiritually because you are a man of God. I’m so thankful that we connected the way that we did and that connection will always stay intact. In this life and the next. See you on the other side. 🙏🏽
John Santistevan & Family
4 Jan 2024“ Nick Brother “ You will Truly Be Missed . Thru our Many talk about Politics Life and its Struggles. I valued our talks and Your Wisdom.
Condolences 💐 to all his Loved Ones. Nick was a Huge Presence. Ride High In Paradise, sent with Respect and Love 💕 💐🙏✝️
Sandra Valverde Bartlett
5 Jan 2024Dear Chavarria family, remembering you and sending much love and prayers during the loss of your precious husband, father, brother, and uncle.
I don’t have many specific memories of Nicky when he was younger and living in Salinas as I have of his older sisters but I immediately spotted and recognized him when he arrived at the Galimbas’ home during a fellowship gathering we had few years ago. I’m glad I got to see him n hug him and share conversation for a while, brought so many memories to mind of his family, esp his sisters which were close friends of mine and our family. Nicky was so easy to warm up to again, very kind, friendly, with the winning Chavarria smile.
I know he is greatly missed by all his family and friends. I pray you receive great comfort from the Lord each time you recall Nicky.
Eva Lewis (Tina Mendoza)
6 Jan 2024My deepest condolences to the Family… Growing up in the Salinas church we often spend many nights at the Chaverria Home visiting, as our parents were good friends and Christy was one of my dearest friends. I will always remember his big smile and kind heart and wonderful laugh. May you all find comfort in the beautiful memories and legacy he left behind. Rest in Peace Nickey Till we meet again 💐
Rev
7 Jan 2024Nick my friend and brother in Christ… I just want God to know that he’s got a great soldier on his team a true man of integrity… A man who saw life with excitement and lived to be a blessing to others… We in the group Men of Integrity had such a short time to get to know you and will treasure every moment that we had… Rest in peace my friend …. We’ll look to see you on the other side… Amen…
friend
8 Jan 2024Amazing man hugs to all the family!!!
Thomas Harms
9 Jan 2024My brother in law, it is so sad, you left way to early.
It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for taking care of my sister.
We will miss you !
Those we love can never be more than a thought away.
For as long as there is memory, they will live forever.
Our deepest condolences
Thomas, Kirsten and Tim
Robert Sandoval
14 Jan 2024To the wife and family, my most deepest condolences.
It was a sad, sad day to hear the news of your passing Nick. You were more than a friend you were a brother. Right when I needed a friend, the Lord placed you in my life. The years went by so fast since the day is on Chaparral Street. Thanks for all the great memories… all the SF games all the Warriors games and the San Jose Sharks. Nick stood in my wedding and I was so happy that when my kids were grown. They got to know him as my brother from another mother.
Rest my friend until you hear the trumpet sound
1 Thessalonians 4
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Sally Quintanilla
23 Mar 2024So sorry to hear of his passing, I will always remember him as my childhood friend, Rest in Peace 💙