Dennis D. Ferreira

A Sonoma County native, he resided in San Jose the past 40 years. He died peacefully June 27, a week shy of his 88th birthday.

He worked as a custodian for San Jose school districts and Lockheed Martin. After his retirement, Dennis became an active volunteer with Loaves & Fishes, and was named the nonprofit’s Volunteer of the Year for 2002. He also volunteered at Southside Senior Center and St. Vincent de Paul Society.

He was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church since 1999. When he moved to Ivy Park Senior Living, he attended in-house Catholic services.

Dennis was known as a kind, loving man with a keen sense of humor, contagious laughter and an ability to make others smile.

After the death of his wife, Maria Ferreira, he pursued ballroom dancing, often dancing two to three times per week. Dancing became second to his love of God. He also loved volunteering and gained a sense of community through his volunteerism.

Dennis is survived by his brother, Tony Ferreira, and his sisters, Helen Mendes, and Tereza Taylor, his niece Diane Repp and nephews, Manuel Mendes, Tony Taylor, John Taylor, Jeff Taylor, and their families, and many more loving family in San Jose that will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rafael Ferreira.

He also is survived by his niece, Debra Ferreira, and his nephew, Michael Ferreira, and their families. They, along with their uncle’s San Jose friends Catherine, Greg and Brenda helped look after Dennis.

He will forever be missed but remain in the hearts of those who loved him.