Hector Ferreira Nunes

January 23, 1949 - October 21, 2021

Hector Nunes’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Hector passed away on October 21, 2021 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by lots of loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives with what he taught them, to live life to its fullest. Born to Jose Ferreira Nunes and Lidia Marques Nunes on January 23, 1949 in Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal, Hector Ferreira Nunes is survived by his loving wife, Maria Albertina Nunes (Tina); Daughter, Elizabeth Blank(Lisa); Son, Brian Nunes; Daughter-in-Law; Susan Nunes; 5 grandsons, Dawson Blank, Dylan Blank, Aiden Blank, Wyatt Nunes and Archer Nunes; Brothers; Tony Christopher, Luis Nunes (Dagmar), Joe Nunes (Ginger) and Elisete Melendres (Mark); and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as many family friends.

Hector was very passionate about his Portuguese traditions and culture, especially the music. Hector loved being involved in the Portuguese Community. He was a member of many Portuguese bands, such as Perla Azul, Adagio, and performed with his good friends Tony Parente and Ana Maria. He was proud to participate in Portuguese Folcloric groups, such as Alma Rebetijana and Giria da Terra. He had a strong love for fados. He was also a sound technician. Hector traveled and created lasting, memorable friendships during his involvement with these organizations. To Hector, his friends weren’t just friends, they were family. He possessed a positive, fun loving attitude that made him a natural mentor and a loyal friend. Hector was always ready to lend a helping hand. He generously helped not only performers and musicians in the Bay Area, but also musicians and Fadistas from Portugal.

Hector taught his family so much about life, hard work, music, and loving each other by being there and showing up. Hector valued spending time with his family. He took pride in sharing his culture and roots with his children and grandsons, taking them to festas and having them participate along side with him in Carnival and folkloric groups. He shared his love of music with his family, introducing and teaching them instruments and a variety of music genres. He loved going to concerts and performances. He has passed down the love of music to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed outings with them all, especially a day out fishing. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch his grandsons play in sports or just be present for them. He was continually taking the time to teach his children and grandchildren all that he had learned in his life.

Hector was also very proud to be an American and served in the United States Navy. It was there that he acquired a love for air craft. He proudly worked with the T28 airplane. He felt proud attending air shows with his family. He shared his knowledge and love with every air show he attended and imprinting that love onto his family.

We do not say goodbye to Hector as his legacy will live on.