Carlos J Tavora

Carlos Juarez Tavora died peacefully at home on June 3,2025, surrounded by his family. He had long battled several cancers and other health issues, but the Lord allowed him to be lucid and mobile almost to the day he passed.

Carlos (Uncle Charlie to his nieces and nephews), was born November 11, 1936 to Juarez and Nair Tavora in Rio de Janeiro, where his family was prominent in the civil life of Brazil. His education began in Brazil and continued there until he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering in 1960 from the Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica in Sao Paulo. Following graduation, he came to the United States to continue his education at the University of Houston where he received his Master of Science in electrical engineering in 1963. Carlos continued his graduate work at the University of California at Berkeley until 1966 when he went back to Brazil for two years to teach at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. In 1968 he returned to Berkeley as a Teaching Fellow of Electrical Engineering and earned his PhD there in 1970. His professional path next included a move to join the University of Houston, where he taught electrical engineering and also worked for Lockheed Electronics at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

In 1974 he met Mary Seegers, who was blessed to be his wife for 50 years. Their family was complete with the adoption of Teresa in 1979. The three Tavoras moved to Acton, MA in 1981 when Carlos decided to get more practical experience in his field by working as technical manager for the Polaroid Corporation in Waltham, MA. Shortly before their next move to Washington state in 1989, the family began attending church at Grace Chapel in Lexington, MA where Carlos gave his life to Christ and began studying the Scriptures, which was his passion until his death. When he decided to return to academia, Carlos accepted a position as Professor of Electrical Engineering at Gonzaga University, where he worked until retirement in 2012. While in Spokane, he served as an elder at Christ the Redeemer Church.

Retirement brought Carlos and Mary to Harlingen, TX, where Teresa joined them in 2014. Carlos continued serving his Lord as an elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church. He started a Bible study, visited church members, lead an outreach at Market Days, taught Sunday School and prayed the intercessory prayer during the Sunday service. In 2024 Carlos and Mary began attending Logos Community Church with Teresa.

Carlos was always very adventurous and loved a challenge. While living in Brazil he got his pilot’s license and did skydiving. His hobbies included sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and snow skiing. Growing up on the Atlantic, he loved the ocean. Later in life, dominoes, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles and reading replaced some of his previous activities. He loved traveling when younger, but was happy just being at home with family and friends as well. At times he was contemplative and serious, but he could also be silly, and loved to tease (as some will know). He was a man of integrity, commitment, love and honor.

He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Teresa, brother Flavio, nieces Wanda (George) and Lynn (Bob) and their families, and nephew Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Juarez and Octavio, nephew John, and many others.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.