All his maternal ancestors took an active part in the defense and reconquest of Buenos Aires during the English Invasions. His great-grandfather was Juan Canaverys, a colonial official who attended the Cabildo Abierto of May 22, 1810. His uncle Tomás Canavery, was a prominent parish priest who served during the Triple Alliance War. His maternal ancestors also were linked to Juan Miguel de Esparza, distinguished military and politician who served during the colonial period, linked in turn with Amador Vaz de Alpoim and Margarida Cabral de Melo, belonging to noble Azorean families.