John Silveira Cardoso

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits John Silveira Cardoso who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, John was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with John knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

John was raised in the Azores Islands and United States. Even as a youngster, John learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, John was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. He had a few brothers and sisters. John had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For John, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

An objective and conscientious individual, John reveled in the security of his family. One of John’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

John was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. John would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. John was blessed with six children, four sons, Sergio, Manuel, John, and Joe, two daughters, Silvia who passed away at a young of age (9 yrs old), and Silvia.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, John was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, John was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, John upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Aircraft Mechanic then later in life custodian. John was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.” His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Portuguese Army based on Azores Islands.

John approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. He loved to tend to his garden and work on watches. John was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

A civic-minded person, John was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Politically, John was Republican Party. During these years, John applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to John. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was of Christian Faith most of his life.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, John used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. John had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included returning to Azores Islands twice on his 90th Birthday and granddaughters wedding.

John was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of John’s favorites, was his dog, a Chihuahua and terrier mix. They were best friends for six years.

When John’s retirement finally arrived in 1980 from San Jose State University in San Jose, California, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. In retirement, he found new pleasure in repairing things around the house. In many ways, John loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

John passed away on March 23, 2010 at Kaiser Santa Clara Hospital in Santa Clara, California. He is survived by his four sons, Sergio Cardoso, Manuel Cardoso, John L. S. Cardoso and Joe S. Cardoso and his daughter, Silvia Andrade. Services were held at Willow Glen Funeral Home 1039 Lincoln Ave San Jose, CA 95125. John was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

All who knew him would agree that John was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. John Silveira Cardoso did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Chapel, San Jose, CA.