Dear Vo,

It’s hard for me to believe that you aren’t here anymore. I have so many memories that I can’t possibly write them all here. My favorites will always be the many Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and birthday celebrations - not to mention the countless camping trips, BBQs, and summer days swimming in the pool. I love you and will miss you so much. I’m so glad you could be at my graduation last year. I never thought this would be our last picture together, and I am so thankful that we have it.

Until we meet again,

Jenny

Part IV
I saw pride in your eyes several times during your life.  First, at high school graduation.  I was 16 then.  You somehow instilled in me the value of education.  You knew everyone in our town. The principal at the high school. You got me in school because you knew him, and you paid for me to study. You knew I wasn’t going to be only a homemaker, I wanted more.  Next time was when I graduated college with A.A. and then with B.A.  You made sure that I walked each time so you could watch and beam with pride.  I did if for you too dad! You were so proud when I became a teacher, and even prouder as you realized what my salary would be.  You had a goal for your children, all of your children, to study, graduate and get good careers.   Thanks for instilling me the work ethic I have today dad !
I know this seems more like my life story than a good bye letter to you, but I wouldn’t be me without you.  I am who I am and what I am l because of you dad.  I love you dad, I always loved you and I always will!  Your words and your wisdom I will carry in my heart forever.  Until we meet again in heaven dad. Fix up my room next to yours si I can hear your stories all over again.
I love you dad 
Your firstborn Cidalia Maria


Part III
I find it hilarious that after all these years you finally told me the real reason why you decided to take me to work with you at the butcher shop in Gloria– to get me out of mom’s hair . I believed all these years that you wanted me to work with you because I was good in math.  I was! Thanks to a teacher that believed in me and the good mind I inherited from you and mom.   Actually, you confessed, you just got tired of hearing mom complain that I didn’t want to do anything at home.  I’m not sure if you realized that it made me the happiest 10 year old in the world.  I would be car sick (in bus) the entire 45 minute ride, but I would love my time at the shop being your cashier.  I felt so important.  You built my confidence by trusting me with the business money dad. Thank you! 
You would also be a big part of my next “real” job.  Again, because you knew that my mother’s attempts to make me a good housekeeper would probably fail, you decided to help me get a job.  You knew the shop’s owner. You sat with me and the shop’s owner while I took the math test.  I anxiously did the math on paper, as I would look at you to get confirmation that the answer was correct.  I passed, and got the job.  I believe you were proud of me.  I never realized that perhaps I was like the son you wanted all along?  Or maybe you were proud that I was a strong girl.  I dreamed, like you. I was daring, like you, I was adventurous, like you.  I loved to work and be around people, like you.  Thanks dad for believing in me! 


Part II
I remember vividly the day you left to Brazil.  It is a well-documented fact that stress lowers your immunity. On that day, both Lina and I had the measles.  We were quarantined in the bedroom with the windows lined in red paper.   I remember it was the saddest day of my life.  We were warned not to look out the window (they believed that we could go blind by sunlight). But I peeked through the red paper, I watched you walk away and my heart went to pieces.  I knew my mother’s heart felt like mine too.  The next couple of years are a blur.  All I remember are the conversations I heard (you know I always heard everything).  “You know they go and they don’t come back.”   “He’ll find a Brazilian woman and stay there.”  “Don’t cry and don’t wait.”  And I was told,” your dad is not coming back.” “He won’t write.”  It hurt, It hurt really bad.”  
The first letter came, an inside of it were 3 pins.  I don’t remember what they were. Butterflies, ladybugs?  Mom made vinyl wallets and put the pins on them.  I treasured that wallet and kept it with me always. It was a part of you.  Oh how I missed you dad.  Those were the longest days of my life.  
The day came for us to join you in Brazil. I was so excited, and torn at the same time. Leaving to be with you meant leaving avos, and tias.  I loved them a lot, but I loved you more.  The trip to Brazil was horrible.  It took forever and I was sea sick all the time.  But, we made it to Rio de Janeiro, alive !  I don’t have a recollection of our first meeting. I think I was too sick.  I do remember the awe I felt about the big city I had just landed on.  I don’t think you hugged or kissed me, we weren’t the affectionate kind.  But I felt your happiness to have your family there with you.  Finally, everything you ever wanted – us together again!


Dale and I are blessed to have known this great man, Melissa's Vo, who loved his family dearly.  We have such fond memories of times shared with him, e.g., Melissa's and Brett's engagement and wedding celebrations, and two Thanksgiving events, one of which included a special birthday party for him.  We will especially remember his loving spirit, warm smile and beautiful heart...and how he always made us feel so welcomed and loved. 

"The beauty of the trees,
the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass,
and the life that never goes away,
they speak to me
And my heart soars."
           Chief Dan George

May his beautiful spirit R.I.P. 
Our deepest condolences to all his family and those friends who loved and were inspired by him.
Sheri & Dale Hoy


My favorite memories are of holiday get-togethers/family barbecues because that is when I spent the most time with him.   He would give me a firm handshake and hug at greetings, and I always felt cherished and welcomed at every gathering.  I loved watching him proudly carve the roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, and I delighted  in our small talk.  Fond memories of his contagious laughter, and his beaming smile will stick with me for the rest of my life.   I miss him greatly. 

My dad was a dedicated family man. He was committed to his job, his wife, and his children. He was the only male figure that I knew growing up who did dishes, dust and mop. When my mom couldn’t cook anymore he then took over and did an awesome job.  He never missed work unless he was seriously ill. He was so proud of his job and his promotion. When he had company picnics he would bring along all the kids and grandchildren. We as kids would have so much fun. Sundays were family gathering days which included Canja soup. He would call each one of us to tell us the soup is ready. There were many conversations shared at the table and he was the best therapist anyone could have. Never judgmental, always open minded. He always taught us to respect and forgive and he was a good example of that. He will be missed deeply. 


I recall many fond memories of my father-in-law who I always referred to as John. When I first met John, his natural character was a polite and deep person. The depth of his personality I would come to know in the many years ahead. My first serious talk with John was when I asked permission of Lina’s hand and marriage. I believe he was more nervous than I was at the time. All he wanted to know is that if I married his daughter is that I would take care of her always and never leave her. He worried like all fathers do that marriage separation and divorce were all too common.  I promised him that I would take care of her and the family if blessed with children, and with that I had his blessing.
John helped me and Lina buy our first home. He was always there for all his family in financial or personal needs. Always offered advice and was willing to take advice if needed. Me and John had some personal things in common. We both liked playing music and listening to classical or marching band songs. I remember seeing him play and marching along proud of his heritage as most Portuguese are. All the bullfights we attended together were always a treat and full of fond memories. The many BBQ holidays (fires on the grill) endless advice on BBQ tips and all the special trips to go camping, trips to the amusement parks will be cherished forever.
I worked with John for about a year at HP.  I got to see how all the workers and management appreciate John’s hard work and drive. I came to appreciate the simple things in life again, after years of work in a non-manual labor job. But this was John’s life always working, laboring at work and at home, and he seem to have the energy to do it all. His mind was always sharp and could think straight his was blessed with that and all the love of his family which has grown and is still growing. His legacy the family is his love to still give in this world. Bless you John and thank you for everything, especially Lina. 
Gabe


My dad,

It's hard for me to write because I miss you so much already.
I have so many memories of you. You were a great dad, I remember you always working hard.
You taught us good values and honesty. You always told me how proud you were of your children.

You moved us to 2 countries, such courage, you did it so we could have a better life. I remember when we got here , all bright eyed and full of hope.
Things were not easy then but you never gave up, you taught us to persevere.
I wish I could have you with us many more years, your kind words always encouraging me, but you were tired and your body hurt.

One memory I have of Brasil, the whole family going by bus to visit padrinho John and tio Jose. On the way back home you bought us all individual packages of freshly roasted, salted peanuts that were always being sold at the bus stop. They were so delicious and that was always the highlight of our trips. 

I remember our trip to see Our lady of the Rosary in Hilmar, and the trip to Thornton to see Our Lady of Miracles and to watch a bull fight, you loved that trip and I did too. You laughed a lot, I will never forget.

I will never forget you dad, your face will always be in my mind.
Your grandchildren have many beautiful, funny memories of you, you will live on in them and your children and your wife.

Rest in Peace. We love you.

Love you Vovo and miss you so much. I will treasure all the memories of our camping trips, your work picnics, amusement park trips, pool BBQ’s, and holidays. You were at pretty much every birthday I ever had, I will miss your bday hug. Thanks for being the best grandfather a girl could have. Until we meet again xoxo 

Part I
I have always loved and adored my dad! He was my hero, my all!  I don't really know why I liked my dad so much.  He was often at work and absent from home.  He didn’t talk much.  When he wasn't working, he was playing music with his band at the  Sociedade.  I spend most of my time with my mom, my grandmother, my aunts, or at Tia Maria's house.   But I sure looked forward to see him at the end of the day.  I thought his life was exciting, and mine was boring!  I wanted to be like him and do what he did,  although I never tried to dig dirt and plant crops (his first profession).  Maybe it started more when he went to work at the Air Base.   I thought that was the most exciting thing in the world.   I wanted to fix cars like him.  I wanted to learn English and hang out at the base.   Honestly, I always wanted to do what my dad was doing.  Being a homemaker was not my forte.  I didn't want to learn to cook and clean house.  I did however really enjoy learning crafts in the women circles. I learned to embroider, crochet, and quilt at a very young age.   I stayed up at night with the matriarchs in my family:  Mom, Avo, Madrinha Nair, Tia Santos, and Tia Janinha.  I loved going down to the tanque to wash clothes with them.  I loved being out, and I was always looking for my dad. I got tired of the women, and I got bored easily. I think I wanted to the like the son he probably wanted.
My first very clear memory of him was when he received a Carta de Chamada to go to Brazil.   We were sitting under a Burra do Milho desfolhando as socas de milho na Cruz.  My mom comes with a letter in hand. The tears in her eyes and the grief expression on her face told it all. Our parents didn't talk to us about life decisions.  Those were made behind closed doors away from little ears.  But we knew ...somehow we knew.  People talk and little ears listen.  I sure did!  I was hypervigilant.  I saw and heard everything !


OBITUARY

John Rocha Dias

November 28, 1929 – February 18, 2020

Willow Glen Funeral Home

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