Levi J. Chavarie Obituary (1925 - 2016)

EAST WINTHROP ~ Levi J. Chavarie, Jr., “Sonny” 91 of East Winthrop passed away on October 13, 2016. Sonny was born in West Enfield, Maine on August 8, 1925, the son of Levi and Sophia (Clukey) Chavarie. He was the 3rd eldest of four siblings. He attended John Bapts High School in Bangor, Sacred Heart Academy in Jackman and St. Joseph’s University in Canada, as well as, Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. Sonny enlisted in the United State Navy at the age of 17 and served from 1942-1946 receiving an Honorable Discharge. He was very active with the Manchester Community Church and became an Honorary Deacon at the age of 90. After meeting his wife, Priscilla, in 1976, Priscilla introduced him to a new found passion for gems and minerals. Together, he and Priscilla operated the Winthrop Gem and Mineral Shop in East Winthrop for 34 years. Gems and minerals have been his life for over 40 years. He later became the proprietor of Sonny’s Museum and Rock Shop, in Augusta, where he worked till the age of 91. He was a past president of the Kennebec Rock and Mineral Club and was a tenacious horseshoe player and was very proud to say his team was the Augusta Champions. Sonny was predeceased by his wife, Priscilla (Sterns-Bryant) Chavarie, on June 27, 2010 and his eldest son, Anthony “Tony” Chavarie, on February 5, 2007. He is survived by four children; Terry and her husband Dana Oakes of Florida, Michael and his wife Stephanie Chavarie of Brewer, Melodie and her husband Andy Ahles of Pittston, and Kurt and his wife Patti Chavarie of Maryland, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A service will be held at the Manchester Community Church on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., reception to follow at the church. Interment will be at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at a later date. In - lieu of flowers, Sonny had requested that a donation be made to The Children’s Center, 1 Alden Ave., Augusta, Maine in memory of his late wife Priscilla (Sterns-Bryant) Chavarie.