Jose A. Chaves

José A. Chaves, 80, of Hudson, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2020 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester after a period of declining health. He leaves his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Maria (Sousa) Chaves.

José was born in Santa Maria Azores, Portugal, on February 15, 1940, the eldest of four children of the late Agostinho and Maria Angelina (Figueiredo) Chaves. He immigrated to Hudson with his parents and siblings in 1956. José built his life in Hudson and was surrounded by many friends and family members from the Portuguese community. He had a long construction career as a member of the Laborers Union Local 609 Framingham, before retiring 20 years ago.

José was a longtime member of Saint Michael Parish and the Hudson Portuguese Club. He was known for his highly skilled helping hands which were never idle for those in need. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and cooking delicious traditional Azorean dishes for his family. Spending time with friends and family, particularly summers in São Lourenço, Azores and in West Island, Fairhaven, MA were amongst his favorite pastimes.

In addition to his wife, José is survived by his 5 sons: Antonio S. Chaves and his wife Zelia of San Francisco, CA; John S. Chaves and his wife Irina of Walpole, MA; Daniel S. Chaves of Venice, FL; David S. Chaves and his wife Liliana of Hudson, MA and Joseph S. Chaves and his wife Emily of Stoneham, MA; 7 grandchildren, Benjamin, Daniel, Nicholas, Victoria, Chloe, Andrew and Thomas and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Antonio Chaves, Maria Inés Figueiredo and Leonor Cabral.

Due to the current health crisis, all services will be held privately. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date at Saint Michael Parish. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of José A. Chaves to: Saint Michael Parish, 20 High St. Hudson, MA, 01749.