Luciano Ascencio Tavares

Luciano Asencio Tavares made a lasting and endearing impression on anyone he met. Luciano was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico on June 16, 1930, into a large family. He immigrated to the United States during the Bracero Program and worked all over California following harvest seasons. He shared his most fond memories of working for a Japanese gentleman during those years, where he learned horticulture, which inspired his appreciation for planting and gardening. Later he worked for the National Preserve Company, joined the Teamsters Union and retired after 35 years. Luciano survived cancer in the early ‘90s and lived a hospital-free life for over 30 years. Perhaps one of his proudest achievements, though, was becoming a naturalized citizen on July 2, 1985.

In the 1960s, Luciano met and married the love of his life Maria Arismendez. Together, they raised their family and were married for 32 years before Maria’s passing in 2003. They raised their family as proud Mexican-Americans with strong family values. Luciano always made time for family, friends, and faith. He enjoyed dancing and singing; he would join the Mariachi whenever he had the chance. Luciano was a talented cook; making roasts, tamales, menudo, lasagna, BBQ, and so many other delicious foods. He even made his last batch of salsa to celebrate his 94th birthday, which fell on Father’s Day.

Family gatherings consisted of cooking, listening to music, drinking tequila, and playing games; the family favorite being “Tabla” (aka Aggravation). Luciano enjoyed the risks of the game and “aggravating” others more than winning. He passed on his competitive spirit by coaching little league baseball for his son and later for his grandchildren. Luciano was always active, often having his kids/grandkids outside practicing for hours, until dark. He instilled in them a fondness for athleticism, sports, and competition. He enjoyed watching baseball, boxing, and golf. Luciano had a passion for playing golf; making time to play with friends regularly and chipping golf balls at the driving range or in the backyard at age 90+.

Luciano, also known as Grandpa or Abuelito, became a father figure to his grandchildren, Anthony and Erica. He also made many trips to Ohio to visit his son’s family. He made it a point to attend every Baptism, First Communion, graduation and as many birthday celebrations as he could, for all his grandchildren. He would always end family visits or celebrations by “persinando” everyone with a blessing, which is a devotional sign of the cross, ending with a kiss or with his trademark fist bump.

Luciano lived a truly minimalist lifestyle and only held onto what meant most to him. He lived alone for about six years after Maria’s passing; always maintaining a very close and loving relationship with his family. He was especially close to his grandson Anthony who during his teen years, moved in with his grandpa. Their love, respect, and care for one another was undeniable and special. As the years passed, their roles evolved; ultimately, Anthony became his primary caregiver with support from the rest of the family.

Luciano’s faith in God and the Church was limitless. After retiring from work life, Luciano woke every morning to go to Mass and maintain his relationship with Jesus Christ. For decades, he served St. Patrick’s Church as an usher, a brother in the Knights of Columbus, and served in many other ways. A proud moment was when he carried in procession the decree from the Proto-Cathedral of Saint Patrick’s to the reopening of Saint Joseph Basilica in Downtown San Jose.

Luciano will be remembered for his smile, overwhelming warmth, kindness, and absolute love for his family. His legacy of strength of body, mind and character is one of a kind. He instilled in his children and grandchildren his strong work ethic and trust in God. It was important to him to keep active and moving constantly. He especially enjoyed taking walks, which he did throughout his life. He enjoyed tending to his garden and yard. He refused to slow down, still chopping wood in the backyard just a few years ago and just this past month, mowing the lawn with his old lawnmower.

Luciano was preceded in death by his loving wife, Maria Tavares, and all of his siblings. He is survived by his devoted family, children Sandra Quintanilla and Edward Tavares, daughter in law, Kris Tavares, and grandchildren Anthony and Erica Quintanilla, Nicolas, Andi and Alexis Tavares, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Luciano lived a life blessed with an abundance of cherished memories and love.