Obituary of Joseph L. Chaves

Joseph L. “Joe” Chaves, 56, of Kingston, passed away on Friday, May 13th surrounded by his family. Joe is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 30 years, Mary-Ellen (O’Leary) Chaves, and two adoring children, Brian (25) and Caitlin (21), both of Kingston. Joe also leaves behind his parents, Raymond R. Chaves and Helen A. Chaves of Kingston; sister Susan Kaye of Kingston, brother Gregory Chaves of Plympton; and sister Elizabeth Williams and her husband Greg Williams of Plympton. Also sharing in grief are several nieces and nephews who loved and admired their Uncle Joe very much. Joe was a lifelong resident of Kingston and volunteered to serve the community he loved in many ways. Joe was Chairman of the Kingston School Committee where he has served since 2001, and Treasurer and member of the Silver Lake Regional School Committee since 2005. He was also a member of Kingston Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) since 2005. Joe served as a call firefighter on the Kingston Fire Department from 1985 to 1997, achieving the rank of Lieutenant in 1991. He was a licensed Realtor and worked for Jack Conway Realtor in the Duxbury office. Prior to his real estate career, he was employed by Kingston Sheet Metal as a heating contractor and held Master Sheet Metal, Gasfitter, and Oil Burner licenses. Joe was a 1978 graduate of Silver Lake Regional High School and attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Joe loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping with his family for many years. He loved animals, and was never without the loyal companionship of his dog. The only activity Joe loved more than motorcycle riding was spending time with his family. He always remained close to his parents and siblings, talking or visiting with them almost daily. He was an inspiration of strength and was loved and admired by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Visiting hours will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, on Thursday, May 19th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 20th at 9:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 272 Main Street, Kingston. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery, Green Street, Kingston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph L. Chaves Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1 Redcoat Lane, Kingston, MA 02364.