John DeMatos

John DeMatos – Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend-passed away naturally at his home in Arcata, CA on Saturday December 6th 2025. He was 88 and surrounded by loved ones.

John was born in 1937 in the small village of Carvalhal Portugal. His Family moved to Rio de Janeiro Brazil when he was a teenager. He met the love of his life Maria Jose Lourenco who he married in 1963 & later welcomed 2 children. In 1968 Maria Jose’s family helped them to immigrate to the United States & soon after welcomed a daughter in 1970. Maria Jose passed away in 1982 & John remarried & found happiness again with Ana Noia in 1989.

John was a dedicated, Loyal, Kind & Intelligent man. He went to School in Brazil and graduated with an accounting degree. He was a hardworking capable father who always provided for his family. While he lived in Brazil, he had many passions and worked as a Shoe maker, butcher and accountant. In the U.S. he worked & retired from Louisiana Pacific after 33 years of hard work. He often told us that he came to America with only $600 got a job and bought a home.

He loved to travel and made many trips back to his homeland in Brazil to visit his Parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed puzzles, trivia & gardening and canning large batches of Tuna. He loved going on walks and in his later years he would even use his walker and walk a mile up to his favorite bakery. Some of his famous words to us in the end was “ I Do it Myself”

His late wife Maria Jose was blessed with a large family “11 brothers & sisters” and they all considered him to be like a brother even to this day. He always enjoyed big family get-together’s, eating delicious homemade food, playing games and laughing. He enjoyed his grandchildren and often took care of them. He loved attending all of their school events like soccer, basketball, baseball, concerts & graduations.

He was very devoted to the Catholic Church & attended every week, rain or shine. He was a big part of the Portuguese community and loved to attend and be part of the big Portuguese festivals. John was a strong, loving man who will be truly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Firmino & Elisa, 1st Wife: Maria Jose, 2nd wife: Ana, Daughter: Susanna, Sisters: Celeste & Mabilia, Grandson: Coleman.

He is survived by his children: Amelia & David, Stepson: Joe, Son-in-Law: Steve, Grand Children: Cody, Kurtis, Kiana, Lourenco, Santa, Shaneil, Brittany & Nicholas, Great Grand Children: Leo, Luna, Gavin, Kayla, Kaden, & Kenley, many in laws, many nieces & nephews, grand-nieces & nephews, & great nieces & nephews.

The family would like to give a heartfelt Thank you to everyone involved with his care in his final days.

Family & friends are invited to a public viewing & to share their final goodbyes at Gobles Mortuary in Fortuna between 11am & 2pm on Friday December 19th.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday December 20th 12:00 pm at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata, CA with a Rosary prior at 11:30am. Following the service John will be laid to rest at Ocean View Cemetery Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka, CA. at 2:00 pm.

Pallbearers: Cody, Kurtis & Leo Pitzer, Lourenco DeMatos, Nicholas Machado, Frank Oliveira Jr., Anthony Lourenco, & Brian Halverson

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