Carlos Antonio Xavier

Carlos Antonio Xavier, 58, of Tulare, California, passed away on January 24, 2026, at Kaweah Health in Visalia.

Carlos was born on February 6, 1967, in Porterville, California, shortly after his parents, Jose and Livramento Xavier, immigrated to California from Terceira, Azores. From a young age, Carlos was known for his strong work ethic and determination. At just 10 years old, he earned money doing lawn care, and by 14, he was feeding cows at the dairy where his father worked as a milker.

After high school, Carlos pursued his passion for auto mechanics, working at several auto shops in Tulare before beginning his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in 1994 as an auto mechanic. In 2006, he earned his teaching credential, advancing to the role of vocational automotive instructor. In this position, Carlos was recognized for establishing a successful Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program, preparing students to pass ASE exams in order to obtain the essential credential for employment in the automotive industry. Carlos proudly served CDCR for 28 years before retiring in 2022.

Carlos was deeply involved in his community and family life. He was active in the local Boy Scouts council for many years while his son Carlos Jr. participated in scouting. An outdoorsman at heart, Carlos loved camping, fishing, and hunting. He was also a gifted craftsman who enjoyed ceramics, welding, leatherwork, and woodworking, and he took great joy in teaching others these skills.

A devout Catholic, Carlos was a faithful member of St. Rita Catholic Church and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He proudly led the annual St. Rita's Lenten shrimp fry for many years, helping raise thousands of dollars in support of the church. Carlos will always be remembered for his passionate, helpful, and giving nature by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his partner, Suzette Machado; his children, Carlos Xavier Jr., Haley Xavier, Jordan Porter, Joshua Porter, and Jonathon Porter; his grandson, Jasper Xavier Salazar; his sister, Mary Xavier, and brother-in-law, Galvani Williams; his nephews, Joseph and Matthew Williams; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Livramento Xavier.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Peers Lorentzen Funeral Service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel, with the Rosary prayed at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the new St. Rita Catholic Church. Carlos will be laid to rest near his parents at Tulare Public Cemetery on Kern St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Rita's Church building fund.