Jose Pontes

Jose Pontes, 71, was called to heaven and received his wings on December 31, 2018.

There are many words to describe Jose he was a humble, kind, caring, god-fearing, compassionate, and a hardworking man. He held many different titles he was a son, brother, father, husband, grandfather and a friend. His kindness was unexplainable; he touched all our hearts in many different ways.

Jose was born in a little village named Cabo da Praia on the island of Terceira in the Azores, Portugal. Jose was born on August 3, 1947, he was born to Joaquim Machado Pontes and Solome do Coracao de Jesus Sousa Silva.
Jose grew up in a humble home with one older brother Mario Silva Pontes. Jose grew up on the island. He completed school there. He also enjoyed playing soccer in his youth. Jose was a talented artist. Oil paintings were his specialty, he had a passion for art and he even sold many of his pieces. Jose loved education and saw it as important. After he graduated he completed one year of college. Jose decided to join the Portuguese Army where he reached the rank of Sargent. Military life took Jose to the island of Sao Miguel and mainland Portugal where he served most of his military time. When Jose left the island he was already courting his wife to be Maria Brivaldina. Jose and Maria married on August of 1971 at the local church of Cabo da Praia. After Jose and Maria were married they moved to California to start their new life together. There they would give birth to their first son Joe Pontes. Jose was a hardworking man and found steady employment at Sorrento Cheese Company in San Jose, California. He was good with his hands and quickly discovered he had a knack for real estate. Eight years later his wife Maria gave birth to their second son James Pontes. Four years later his youngest child Carla Pontes was born. Jose at one point owned multiple houses.

He liked to enjoy himself, he liked sports like soccer and football, and he was a devoted Oakland Raiders fan and even got to watch many games in the stadium. Jose always wanted to provide for his family and wanted nothing more but to see them happy. Jose‘s pride and joy were his grandkids, his eyes would light up when he saw them or when he would hear of something that they were doing and he was proud of all of their accomplishments. Jose was very humble and he had the kindest soul, anytime somebody was sick or some misfortune came upon anyone, he was always ready to step up and help them. He became ill at a very young age, but he never lost his hope and positivity. Jose had a stroke and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 44. He fought hard for five years, but later he became bedridden, but he never lost his beautiful smile and positive outlook on life. He never stopped caring for others, and was a true example of what it is to be humble and compassionate.

He had a Portuguese saying that translates into "We're on this earth to help one another" and he always lived by that motto. Jose never asked for anything in return, he was an amazing human with a heart of gold who will never be forgotten.

Preceding his death are his parents, Joaquim Machado Pontes and Salome do Caracao de Jesus Sousa Silva and his wife, Maria Brivaldina Nunes Brasil.

Jose leaves behind his: sons, Joe Brasil Pontes and James Brasil Pontes; daughter, Carla Maria Brasil Pontes Garza; brother, Mario Silva Pontes; 4 grandchildren, Destiny Beatrice Ortiz Pontes, Joe Pontes Jr., Erica Maria Pontes Borges and Lucas Jose Pontes Garza.

Visitation is on Sunday, January 6th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Steed Todd Funeral Home. Funeral services are Monday, January 7th, 1:00pm in the Steed Todd Funeral Chapel officiated by Deacon Daniel Chavez. Burial will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Garden Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Joe Pontes, Teodoro Garza Jr., and Victor Hugo Terrones. Honorary pallbearer is Lucas Garza.

Visitation

Public Viewing

Steed-Todd Funeral Home
800 E Manana
Clovis, NM  88101
Sunday, January 6, 2019
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Service

Funeral Services

Steed Todd Funeral Home Chapel
800 E. Manana Blvd
Clovis, NM  88101
Monday, January 7, 2019
1:00pm

Cemetery

Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens
1601 E. Llano Estacado
Clovis, NM  88101