Eduardo Teixeira

Known for having a green thumb, Eddy had an incredible ability to encourage tiny cuttings to flourish into thriving plants in his garden. In many ways, this ability to grow something beautiful from something small and unassuming was the essence of Eddy’s life. Eddy was born and raised by his mother, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in Sao Gonçalo, Madeira Portugal. Eddy loved to tell stories of his childhood to his children and grandchildren. Although he and his family endured some hardship during this time in Madeira, he would always speak fondly of the home he called “my island.”

At just 17 years old, Eddy left home to work at a lumber mill in Brazil. He lived in Brazil with his uncle for two years, then moved to Oakland, California, where his mother and brother had already settled. Shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Santa Clara, where Eddy worked at an animal food cannery and soon met his wife Lily Munos. Eddy and Lily married on July 12, 1964, at Saint Clare Church. Their marriage would span sixty years.

With hard work, love, and resilience, Eddy and Lily turned their little house in Santa Clara into the roots from which three generations of Teixeiras grew. Eddy worked as a tile setter with T&D Tile Co. for 30 years. In his off time, he improved the home with precise tilework, landscaping, and brickwork. Together, Eddy and Lily raised four children: Edward, Robert, Cathy, and Tina. Later, they welcomed five grandchildren: Alicia, Emily, Corinne, Elizabeth, and Elissa. With a family full of strong women, Eddy often joked about needing a grandson. His wish was finally granted with the arrival of his first great-grandchild, Leonardo, in 2022, followed by Elijah in 2024 and expected soon, a great-granddaughter, Carmen.

Eddy had a lifelong love for fútbol (soccer). He followed the sport passionately, cheering on teams from around the world during international tournaments, but his heart belonged to Portugal and Sporting Clube de Portugal. Eddy's enthusiasm for the game was contagious, and he cherished moments spent watching matches with family or excitedly recounting the highlights.

Just as Eddy closely tended to his plants and well-loved collection of birds, so too did he nurture his family. Leaving the Teixeira house unfed and empty-handed was–and is–impossible. If you spent time chatting in the backyard with Eddy, you would most definitely be offered a plate of fruit, bread, coffee, or anything else you wanted. You would be nourished with stories, laughter, and–if you were a grandchild–sent away with a secret handshake holding a five-dollar bill or a candy. His children will always hold dear memories of being called to come home and eat dinner, walking into the kitchen to be greeted with love and a bowl of soup.

Eddy will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of the people he loved and the family he built, forever. A private service will be held to celebrate his life.