Jose I. Gonsalves

Jose Inacio Gonsalves peacefully passed away on November 4, 2022. He was born on June 14, 1936, in Rosais, São Jorge Island, Azores, to Jose Silveira Gonsalves Jr. and Maria Inacio da Silveira. In 1959 right before he turned twenty-three, he came to California to pursue the American Dream. He then met and married the love of his life, Conceicao, in 1962 and enjoyed 52 years together until her passing in 2015. He was strong about his values on faith, family, and work. Jose firmly expressed the importance of working hard and earnestly worked to provide for his family. Jose worked as a dairy farmer for 20 years and after he worked for Santa Clara and Chino Unified School Districts until his retirement. He loved working in his gardens and grew delicious fruits and vegetables and would at times lovingly argue for more land with his wife who wished to have her portion of the gardens for flowers. He was a devout Catholic and a lifelong parishioner of St. Clare’s Parish in Santa Clara. He prayed daily the rosary. He was an active member of the Portuguese community and was most content when at home with family. Yet, his true happiness was being alongside “his Maria”, Conceicao. His spirit now reunites with her’s in heaven in eternal happiness.

Jose was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Maria Conceicao Gonsalves; his siblings Manuel Gonsalves, João (Julia) Gonsalves, Vitoria (Jose) Sanches, Jorge Gonsalves and (Vital Bettencourt, his sister Celeste’s husband). He is survived by his daughter Maria (Fred) Van Buiten, and two grandchildren, Bastiaan and Annamarie. He also leaves behind his sister Celeste Bettencourt; sister-in-law Filomena Gonsalves; brother-in-law Jose Angelo Soares; and various nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thank you to the sisters and staff at New Bethany for their great care received throughout Jose’s residency. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the New Bethany Residential care, 1441 Berkeley Dr, Los Banos, CA 93635 are kindly appreciated.

A rosary and mass for Jose will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 10:30 AM at St. Clare Parish, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Burial will be held privately.