Salvador Avila Gongora

It is with a very heavy heart that the Fair Hill Training Center community bids farewell to Salvador Avila Gongora known most simply as “Chava” or to English language folks as “Chubba.”

Chava celebrated his 63rd birthday 2 days prior to his death Monday 2/5/24 at Fair Hill doing what he always did – showing up and taking care of his equine friends.  Chava was an extraordinarily kind and gentle man who was loved by both horses and people with friendships that spanned over 30 years in the area.  He worked with Michael Dickinson Racing for 20 years until Michael’s retirement and had many wonderful horses in his care over that period; but perhaps his best-known charges were Cetawayo and Bowman Mill, both multiple Graded stakes winners.

The next 10 years of his work life was with Lady Olivia at North Cliff farm splitting his time between the youngsters offsite and Carla Morgan’s training operation in Parlo III at Fair Hill.  On the fateful day Chava had mucked his stalls and was walking a horse in the shed when suddenly he collapsed and never recovered.  He received immediate CPR and defibrillation from his co-workers and FHTC staff until the EMTs arrived soon after and took over the resuscitation efforts, but it was not to be . . .

Salvador Avila Gongora (Chava) leaves behind Ludubina Solis, his wife of 35 years , a son Jose Ma, a daughter Yamilet Avila, and  4 grandchildren.  The funeral service will be held 3-5 pm Thursday February 15th at Corleto-Latina Family Center 807 N. Union St. Wilmington DE 19805 (302-273-8508) with a small reception after.  Chava’s family will meet him again in Mexico to bury him in his home country. 

Needless to say Chava’s premature departure precluded much planning and the family would be very grateful for any kindness and support we are able to offer.  A  GoFund Me has been set up @ https://gofund.me/eb908642   “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

In closing some words for Chava from singer Kenny Chesney . . .”It ain't fair you died too young, like a story that had just begun.  But death tore the pages all away.  God knows how we miss you.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Salvador Avila Gongora, please visit our floral store.