Louis Terra

LUIS NUNES TERRA

Luis Nunes Terra, aka Louis Terra, was born on December 21, 1944, in Pedro Miguel, Faial, Azores. He was the son of the deceased Jose and Filomena (Pinheiro) Terra. Luis passed away serenely on September 26, 2025, surrounded by family, and others who cherished him.

The deceased was a resident of San Jose, California for nearly 60 years. In the last three years of his life, he lived in Alamo, California, when his health declined. Luis' beloved wife of 51 years, Maria Fatima (Cunha) Terra, passed away in 2020. Luis was also preceded in death by his siblings: Jose Terra (Barbara); Maria Virginia (Terra) Vargas, and Rosamaria Terra.

He is survived by Manuel Terra (Maria) of San Jose, brother-in-law, Manuel Vargas (Maria Virginia Terra), and five sisters-in-law by marriage. Luis leaves eight nephews and nieces: Joseph Terra, Rosemary (Terra) Sellers, Jonathon Terra; Betty (Terra) Smith and Arlene (Terra) Wilson; Neleen (Vargas) Bigman, Denise (Vargas) Willis and Leon Vargas. Nephews and nieces by marriage will remember Tio Luis with fondness.

Around 1959, his parents and siblings emigrated to Manteca, California, when Luis was a teenager. By 1964, he had moved to East San Jose, where he joined the Portuguese community.

Luis became completely immersed in existing Portuguese institutions, including the Five Wounds Portuguese National Church. He sang in the choir, was a reader during Mass, and counted Sunday Collections. The deceased joined the new Portuguese Catholic Youth Organization, and the I.E.S., a socio-religious brotherhood. Luis was 24 years old, when he first became an I.E.S. board member, serving as marshal and secretary on multiple occasions. For 20years he called Bingo for the I.E.S. every Friday night. For many years, on Wednesdays, he did the same for the Portuguese Band of San Jose, his favorite band. Luis was the top bingo caller for decades.

He was passionate about a newly-organized soccer organization, The Portuguese Athletic Club(P.A.C). After joining, Luis became very active until his health failed, five decades later. He served in various capacities including director and treasurer multiple times. Luis probably was one of two members who served as director more often than anyone else. In recognition for his" outstanding services, commitment and dedication" to P.A.C., he was awarded two certificates of appreciation.

By June 1967, he was graduated from San Jose Evening High School. In 1969, Luis and Fatima were married at their beloved Five Wounds Portuguese National Church, with a reception at the I.E.S.

The deceased loved his Portuguese community and could never say "no" when someone needed help. People phoned or showed up at his door, requesting that he translate documents, help them obtain drivers' licenses, or write letters for them. The telephone never stopped. When the priest was unavailable for a funeral Rosary, Luis was asked to replace him, yet he never asked for compensation.

In addition to his membership in the organizations listed above, the deceased was a member of Alianca Jorgence, and (POSSO), the latter a social services organization. A devout Catholic, he especially venerated Our Lady of Fatima. His favorite sports teams were the 49rs, the San Jose Sharks, and the Portuguese soccer teams, Benfica and Sporting.

The deceased was known for his impeccable attire, and polished style. In private, he had an impish sense of humor. He was an excellent ballroom dancer, and like his wife, loved to dance. For half a century, Luis and Fatima were the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of the San Jose Portuguese community, garnering many dance competition trophies. They also enjoyed going on cruises with friends. Those who know him well agree that he was a "good person, a kind man." His ten-year-old great-niece described him best. "Uncle Luis has a kind heart."

Rest in peace beloved Luis

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Five Wounds Parish of San Jose for church restorations.