Javier Augusto Chacon of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born on February 27, 1937, in El Cristo, Cuba. One sibling, Rosa Chacon, survives him. His two older brothers, Julio Chacon and Jorge Chacon, preceded him in death.
Javier left communist Cuba in 1962, embarking on a courageous journey to the United States in search of freedom and opportunity. This pivotal decision not only marked his escape from political oppression but also laid the foundation for a remarkable career. He pursued a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Alabama, where he began building the life he envisioned for himself and his future family. While studying there, he met his wife, Lera Jane Gilliland, and they married on December 21,1963.
In 1968, Javier’s excellence in engineering was recognized by IBM Owego in NY. He took a position in their military section. He moved there with his growing family, which shortly included his twin sons, Eric Baird Chacon and Marco Mayer Chacon. While at IBM Owego he contributed to some of the most incredible and defining technologies of the 21st century such as the Grumman bomber A-6 Intruder, the Trident Nuclear Submarine, and the Space Shuttle Columbia. In 1973, IBM relocated him to their new IBM facility in Boca Raton, Florida where he was one of the pioneers working on the first IBM Personal Computer.
He built his new life there, traveling regularly but calling Boca Raton home. He joined the new Undersea Adventurers Dive Club and took many diving trips over the years.
For all of his technical ability, his impact on the people around him including his coworkers was due to his humanity, empathy, and caring. He was remembered and beloved as a loving, supportive man, co-worker and manager. When he retired from IBM in 1993, he was celebrated and asked to return as a consultant.
Javier was a wonderful father and husband, supporting his wife, Lera, in her entrepreneurial experiment with the family rental business (Toys-N-Tech) and his children in their study of computer science.
Javier took great joy in his family, embracing his daughters-in-law, Hisayo Kurihara and Elvire (Gina) Jacques; and his grandchildren: Kaarina Honor Chacon, Eric Toshikazu Chacon, Max Oliver Chacon, and Leo Agustus Chacon, in order of age. Javier’s wife, his two sons, and his four grandchildren all survive him.
Javier was an incredible, loving person with a deep well of compassion and interest in the people around him. He was fully authentic and joyful, laughing and joking and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Javier is deeply missed and profoundly appreciated and loved by his family. His remains were cared for by the Neptune Society. Since his relatives and friends are scattered over many states his Celebration of Life was held over Zoom.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.14.0