Carlton John de Almeida

Carlton "CJ" deAlmeida of Sun City, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2025, due to complications from recent heart surgery. He was the loving partner of the late Leah Center and the son of the late Manuel P.M. and Audrie (Henderson) deAlmeida.

Born on June 3, 1940, CJ grew up in Medford and Framingham, Massachusetts, where he attended local schools. He developed a lifelong appreciation for western culture and enjoyed horseback riding whenever possible. A proud member of Teamsters Local 170, CJ worked as a driver for Anchor Motor Freight, delivering new vehicles throughout New England. His commitment to safety earned him the prestigious Million Mile Award for driving one million miles without an accident.

After retiring, CJ visited a friend in Arizona and quickly fell in love with the state, eventually making it his home. He began riding at MTM Ranch in Cave Creek and later worked there as a wrangler, leading trail rides. In 2009, he was sponsored by his friend Sheldon Roberts to join the Desert Caballeros Ride out of Wickenburg. CJ participated annually for 15 years and earned his 15-year pin in 2024. During his first ride, he met Stan Goldberg, who became a lifelong friend. He was also active in the Sun Cities Saddle Club and the local wood shop.

About a year after relocating to Arizona, CJ met Leah Center. They shared many interests, including boating and travel, and spent 17 cherished years together between Sun City and Nevis, Minnesota.

CJ is survived by his son Tom deAlmeida; daughter Susan (deAlmeida) Wilkinson and her husband David; grandchildren Shawn Wilkinson (Mary) and Brendon Wilkinson; great-granddaughters Nora and Natalie; sister Stephanie (deAlmeida) Rogers (Paul); sister-in-law Frances deAlmeida; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and Leah Center's family in Arizona and Minnesota.

He was also predeceased by his former wife Marianne Porcaro deAlmeida, his brother Sam deAlmeida, and his youngest sister Lorraine deAlmeida.