Ricardo Chaves

Ricardo Chaves, 89, a proud twelfth-generation New Mexican, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 24, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born in Pajarito, to Nicodemus and Petrita Chaves.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mykel Lynn; parents, Nicodemus and Petrita Chaves; sister, Avelina Battaglia, brothers, Nick, Ben, Manuel, Eloy, Frank, Dan and Paul; sister in-laws, Vidalia, Geraldine, Marie, Curla, and former wife, Margaret.

He is survived by his brother, Alex Chaves; daughters, Linda Chaves, Kathleen Chaves, Barbara Griffith, and son, Richard Chaves; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many cherished nieces, and nephews. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Luz Medina, Danny Romero, and Carlos Zentella for their loving support and compassionate help during this time.

Ricardo’s journey began as the son of an apple farmer in Pajarito. After proudly serving in the United States Army, he graduated from the University of New Mexico and launched his first business, a café inside the Lomas Bowling Alley. With the encouragement of his father, he leased his first parking lot at 5th and Copper- a modest beginning that marked the start of a remarkable entrepreneurial career.

Soon joined by his brother, Alex, and later by their other brothers, Ricardo co-founded the Parking Company of America. Each brother took on responsibility for a city, and together they grew the business into the largest privately owned parking enterprise in the United States- perhaps the world. Their partnership was more than a business; it was a bond of brotherhood, joy and perseverance. The company flourished across generations, with hundreds if parking lots nationwide, and continues today under the care of the family’s second, third and fourth generations.

Ricardo will be remembered not only for his business acumen, but also for his extraordinary generosity. He was always ready to lend a hand- whether helping someone through illness, supporting a relative in need, fixing peoples smiles or quietly paying for a student’s education. He never lost sight of his humble roots and believed deeply in the power of kindness, no matter how small.

In gratitude, the family honors Ricardo’s life and the vision he shared with his brothers and sister in founding their company.

Per his wishes, services will be kept simple. A Graveside Rosary will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Pajarito Cemetery, rosary will be recited by his niece, Ava Garcia, followed by a reception.

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” Leonard Cohen