R.I.P., Marlon Chavarria of St. Nick's Pub

Very sad news to report: Word has come in that Marlon Chavarria, longtime bartender at St. Nick's Pub, passed away in a car accident Tuesday.

Some bartenders you don't notice, some you ignore, but some, like Chavarria, become part of the fabric of your life. To the regulars at St. Nick's, a no-frills neighborhood bar near the Beverly Center where he tended bar for 14 or 15 years -- and at the Coronet where he also worked -- Chavarria was a small man (he couldn't have been more than 5-foot-2) with a big grin and a big heart.

"He always teased people, but people loved being teased by him," says Jason Martinez, 34, a TV producer and director who frequents St. Nick's. "He was always making fun of me for my pink cellphone cover, but it was an honor to be made fun of by him."

"Marlon is the best person. He is the kindest person. He is the greatest employee. There is nothing bad about him. He is responsible and caring. He is the greatest, and he is going to be missed by everybody, by every regular who walks in here. He's like a son to me," St. Nick's owner, Nick Faltas, said before breaking down in tears.

For those who wish to honor Chavarria, there will be an informal gathering tonight at St. Nick's Pub beginning at 6 p.m.

-- Elina Shatkin

Comments

[rdb]

wow. i used to frequent st. nicks for about 3 years. Then a year went by and I realized hadn't been since last December until today. When I saw Edwin there tonite I immediately asked where Marlon was. I had no idea about this awful tragedy. Marlon made st. nicks. He was so friendly and generous and filled with humor. I am just so upset about this and my thoughts go out to his family. I'll miss you.

[Danny Friedman]

I just want to say that Marlon was a wonderful person. I remember talking about music and Marlon told me about his DJ skills. I will always have a place in my heart and a memory of Marlon. I am sorry that I just learned of his passing. I new him for over 10 years and he always supported "MAX"

SO FROM MAX AND THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED...
MAD RESPECT
R.I.P
MARLON

[Superman]

Well its been a few days now and trying to come grips with the reality of the loss of my friend Marlon and thinking of the best way I could honor his memory,what came to mind was something I have heard all my life and that is, into every life a little rain must fall(this was a storm)however if we keep our heads up the sun will shine again,so with that I will do my best to keep a smile on my face and help out when I can because when I think of Marlon that`s one of the pictures I see,so to my friend Marlon travel well, I`m sure we will see you on the other side with a smile on your face.May God Bless Always.

[Stefanie Anderson]

Marlon was such a great guy. I had known him for at least 10 years, I think. My group of friends here went there so much we got to know the entire staff. I didn't visit as much as my friends, but when I did go out...Marlon always remembered me. He made St. Nick's what everyone loved about it, so much. St. Nick's was like our "Cheers". "You wanna go where everybody knows your name..." Marlon made you feel like you were a "regular" no matter what.

Going to St. Nicks felt almost like going home to our family, for many of us who have no family here. I went there the other day after some of my own bad news and heard what happened.

I had to call my girlfriends right away, as I knew they'd be so disappointed. So many nights he let us decorate the bar for a birthday or going away party. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We will help keep his spirit alive at St. Nick's. Rest well, Marlon, and thanks for the memories.

Stefanie

[Cathy (stl)]

I still can't believe this. Marlon, a wonderful friend, family man, and father. My heart goes out to his kids-his whole world revolved around them. He was such a good friend to me. He always made me laugh. (I just celebrated my bday with him, hanging out at nicks, watching basketball.) I will miss him soooo much. I will miss his smile, his jokes...I will miss my buddy. I love you Marlon!

[Josh Lynn]

Everyone has their own personal bartender, Marlon has always been mine. And from the looks of it, many people thought the same. Which to me really shows how great a person Marlon was, and the connection he would make with everyone. Even having been a former bartender before, I was always amazed when he'd remember my name after a few months of not stopping by. I don't know what to say here, this news really makes me sad. Marlon was a great guy, just one of the most genuine, nicest human beings I've known. I know many other people feel the same, but Marlon, you will be very missed my friend.

[Chris Chavarria]

I don't know what to say but my dad was a great guy...scratch that...he was and still is the greatist guy ever....he was everything to me...he was my dad, my friend, my teammate when it came to sports, just someone to talk to about anything (music, movies, sports, girls, family, everything)...he was my idol...he taught me everything ....i just can't believe something like this could have happened to him....i just hope he knows how much and how many people care about him...he will be miss...i love you Dad...

[Ryan]

I echo all that is said below. Marlon, was truly a wonderful individual and will be missed greatly.

RIP my friend.

[Lindsay Morrison]

Marlon was one of the BEST bartenders I have ever met. He was a sweet man with a BIG heart. You will be missed my friend. St Nicks will never be the same. May you rest in Peace.

Love, Munchie

[Kelly]

So sad. What a loss. He was a "little" man, with the hugest heart. I didn't know him very long, but I will never forget him. I hope his family sees all of the wonderful posts people have written about him. I can't believe this happened. He will be missed by so many.

[franklingrimes]

I can think of a whole list of other people who should have met their end before Marlon...including myself. Content, insightful and patient...I would go to Nick's on my own knowing that at the very least Marlon would share a word with me...I had been going to Nick's for ten plus. I hadn't realized until God took him away, but he was more than a bartender. He was a friend and a good one at that. He was a giver and the Lord taketh...rest in peace, Marlon.

[Ana G. Lopez]

Marlon my friend, husband, father of my children, best friend again and again, nine years together, eight separeted yet never divorce, always loved.....together during thin and thick, no limits of his love and caring for anybody. always giving, always funny, never was able to resist for making jokes even during the worst situations ever.... I remember sooooooo many times when I wanted to watch tv with him and all he wanted to watch was cartoons I was so sick of that and I used to tell him that he need it to grow up, now I'm glad he never changed. He was always so protective and depenable, someone you can always count on even when you are a stranger.........Thanks to God for the wonderful blessing of sharing my life with the greatest person and to share the fruit of our love "Christian and Leslie" there is so much of him in them sometimes I have to think twice before I realize that its the kids and not Marlon that I am talking to.....I Loved my "baby" Marlon and Forever he will be "my baby" this is weird I just told him this on Friday.......

[Superman]

Marlon was just a wonderful person and a person you could count on to make you smile no matter what so I like so many others will miss my friend Marlon,RIP.

[Nicole]

Just found out about this tragedy last night. Marlon was a great person. The sweetest man. Can't really describe how wonderful he was in this comment. I looked forward to seeing him. Always had a smile and jokes. I will never forget him. He will be missed!

[JD]

Marlon, many times you kept me from doing something stupid & the times that I did something stupid you always had a way of finding out & giving me that BIG BROTHER LECTURE I used to hate that lecture because I knew you were right. You always supported me & loved me no matter what! The pranks, the jokes, the unexpected birthday parties, the games, the tvs, the jukebox you were apart of it all. I love you Marlon. You were always a good friend, you always made a call to check on me and all I had to do was make a call & you would be right there for me. You are missed, you are loved & your family are in my prayers. God Bless and say hello to Jesus for me!

[Cesar Gonzalez]

We all remember Marlon, it is sad to know a dear friend is leaving us too soon. From all your friends here in the Bay Area. YUO will be missed. RIP

[D.R.]

Such a funny, caring person. What a tragic loss for all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family.

[Brittany]

I just found out about Marlon tonight and I can't believe it's true. Marlon was such an amazing man. So funny, so sweet and with such a big heart. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Marlon!

[Jeff {SkAtEbOaRd}]

Marlon the Magician, the Matador, the Man. Our dear dear "Carlton". The jokes, the names, the laughs and now tears.

You are so missed, never to be forgotten. I assure you all that the "family" and the "spirit" will burn on at St. Nick's.

RIP great father, best friend.

[Manny Matamoros]

Marlon became a good friend and like family to me and my family. Personally, I knew at any given time if there was something to do that would definitely be a good time.. it was to visit St. Nick's and see Marlon. Never did he ever share anything other than his smile, good humor, his usual joke, and pour a good drink. He was happy to see me every time... what a gift....and I knew no matter what, it was every time. Beyond that he was an outstanding and loving father. What a loss.... My heart is deeply sadden for our loss... Marlon you will be missed so dearly, by so many because this world is one good person less. We love you. Rest in Peace.

[D.J.]

Marlon will be missed by all. His class, energy and humor will always make him a stand out. I am grateful for the times we had and for the memories we created.

[phil]

Marlon- we will miss you greatly. you werent just a bartender too many you became our friend. thank you marlon for always having a smile on your face and a joke to brighten the day...i will remember u everytime i step onto a soccer field....Rest In Peace my good friend

[kristian Harloff]

Marlon was one of the greatest people I have had the honor to meet. He was always laughing, cracking jokes and he was always happy to see you when you walked into the bar. He will be greatly missed and Saint Nicks will never be the same without him. God Bless you Marlon, don't worry, we will make jokes about Ponce for you.

R.I.P. my man,

[Alisha]

Just found out about Marlon. I don't know quite what to write, I'm just so upset and so sad that I'm too late for the gathering tonight--if you find out about any future gatherings, would you please let us all know? I know there are probably a lot of peple out there who'd like to be there.

[Nicholas Weber]

The world will greatly miss Marlon Chavarria, and I know I will too. Marlon meant the world to all of those around him, and we are all in deep mourning.

RIP, and may God Bless his family

[Leslie Chavarria {Daughter}]

He was a wonderful father......no one can doubt that.....he was dependable.......caring......a fighter but only when he had to protect the ones he loved..........he wouldnt dare hurt a fly........there's just soooooooooooo much i want to say about him.....his smile.....his laugh........his jokes.......his light..........and sooo much more........but the list would be endless..........i loved him dearly........and i will forever miss him.......but i also know that he will forever have a place in everyone's heart........i remember one day he randomly (like always) bought me a present.....it was a frame=like thing and it said "To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.' i truly keep that in my heart everytime i think of him.......because to me he meant the world and so much more............he made me who i am today.....i am strong only because God bless me with such a great dad to teach me to be strong. .....i am wise because he would pass down his knowledge of people and music down to me.........he IS very loved by my brother and i..........we appreciate everyone who loved and cared for hiim.........