ESPANOLA, N.M. — Rodolfo “Snappy” Chavez passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, in Española, N.M., surrounded by family. He was 75.
Born in Capulin, Colo., on May 6, 1950, he was the youngest of nine children born to Flossie and Rodolfo Chavez. He was the proud father of three sons — Toby, Rodolfo, and Felipe—with whom he shared many passions. His life was rooted in faith, family, and a deep commitment to education.
Known to many as Dr. Rudy, he spent his career teaching and mentoring at Arizona State University, the University of Colorado, Eastern New Mexico University, and the University of New Mexico Highlands. At Highlands, he helped over 300 teachers earn their master’s degrees and was a lifelong advocate for learning.
He volunteered for 20 years during Holy Week at the Santuario de Chimayó and was a devoted parishioner of Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada in Espanola, N.M.
Travel was one of his great joys. He visited countries across Europe, Central America, and South America, always connecting with local communities and attending Catholic Mass along the way. Cali, Colombia, held a particularly special place in his heart.
A Rosary will be offered at Iglesia de Santa Cruz in Española, N.M., on June 5 at 4 p.m.
Funeral services, including a Rosary and the Mass of the Resurrection, will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish in Capulin, Colo., on June 7 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (www.hsf.net), or that you perform an act of service in Rudy’s memory.
