Andrew “Andy” E. Chavez

Andrew “Andy” Chavez (90), longtime resident of Edgewood, Ky and Florence, Ky passed away at his daughter’s and son-in-law’s residence in Morning View, KY with those he loved.

Andy was a man of intense passion for those who are the “least of our brothers and sisters.”  He believed fervently in helping those most in need and dedicated his professional career to that end.  Andy was a longtime Social Worker for the State of Kentucky before his retirement, working with broken and troubled families.

Andy was born in a farming community in Colorado.  After reading the book, Seven Story Mountain, by Thomas Merton, he was determined to follow in Merton’s footsteps.  In 1952 he left his community and traveled to Kentucky to join the same monastery Thomas Merton joined; the Abbey of Gethsemane, COSO.  While at Gethsemane Andy took the name Brother Paschal, and later after being ordained a priest, Father Andrew.   While living the monastic life he was asked to transfer to a Gethsemane daughter house in the South American country of Chile until 1972.  Thereafter he discerned leaving the monastic life and pursued his MSW degree.  A friend in Chile suggested he call an acquaintance, a former Ursuline nun, and give her, her regards.  Andy did, and the rest is history.  He fell in love with Helen Thomas, and the two remained married until her death in 2014, being married 40 years.

Andy’s quiet demeanor and deep spirituality attracted many to him.  He made Christ Renews His Parish at St. Pius X in 1989 and shortly thereafter joined a men’s prayer group formed from that CRHP retreat.  That group still meets weekly today.

Andy is survived by his daughter, Emily Ramon (Jonathan) of Morning View, KY, and his granddaughter Lauryn Raymer of Cincinnati, OH.  He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: brothers: Tom Chavez of Denver, CO, Leo Chavez (Eloisa) of Alamosa, CO, Ben Chavez (Leone) of Colorado Springs, Pat Chavez of Denver, CO, and sisters: Lucille Chavez of Green Valley, AZ, Inez Catbagan of Westminster, CO, and Genifer Chavez (Steve Harrington) of Tucson, AZ.

He is also survived by his sisters-in-law: Connie O’Daniel, Nancy Totten, Kathy Thomas, Peggy Gorman, and Jacky Thomas, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Andy was preceded in death by his wife Helen Chavez, his parents Solomon and Emily Chavez, and his in-laws: Ann Chavez, Percy Catbagan, Linda Chavez, Bobby Thomas, Barbara and Joe Mattingly, Susie and Pat Logsdon, Tommy O’Daniel, Mary and Manuel Carrico, David Thomas, Tim Gorman, and Jimmy Stevens.

Visitation will be held at Linnemann Funeral Home, 30 Commonwealth Avenue, Erlanger, KY on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 4-7 PM.  A short service will follow the visitation at the funeral home.  The next day, December 4^th, a funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 10:00 A.M., 348 Dudley Rd., Edgewood, Ky with burial immediately following at Floral Hills Memorial Garden, 5336 Old Taylor Mill Rd, Covington, KY 41015.  A reception to follow the burial at St. Pius X Church, in Milligan Hall.

Memorial donations are suggested to the charity of one’s choice. To share a story or to leave an online condolence, please visit: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com