Ildefonso DeOliveira

Ildefonso De Oliveira, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2011 at Chardonnay Assisted Living in Twin Falls. He was 96. He was born May 14, 1914 to Ildefonso and Isabell De Oliveira, in San Miguel, Azores. As an infant he moved to Pico, Azores, where he grew up. In 1933, he married Belarmina. Together they had six children. While raising his family, he worked as a farmer and raised cattle. He also loved to play the violin and guitar. While living in Pico, he was known throughout the island for his guitar playing and for his chamarita[folk dance] calling. In July of 1969, he and Belarmina, along with their son Manuel, immigrated to California. He found work on a dairy, and quickly adjusted to his life in America. In 1970, Belarmina passed away, and he and his son moved to Monterey, where they both worked in construction. In 1973, he married Amelia Vargas. Together they shared a love for music and guitar playing. They loved to dance and were always the first on the dance floor. In 1980, they moved to Tracy. While living in California, they were very involved in Portuguese functions, playing their guitars for everyone to hear. In 1999, they moved to Twin Falls to be by Amelia’s daughter and her family. Throughout his life, he always enjoyed being around his family, attending Portuguese functions, dancing, and of course his music, which will be very missed. He is survived by his wife Amelia, of Twin Falls, three daughters Maria Albertina (Manuel) Azevedo and Orlanda (Junior) Goulart, both of Pico, Azores, Deolinda (Joao) Moniz of Faial, Azores, a son Manuel (Mary Lou) Oliveira, of Monterey, California, and step-daughter Maria (Humberto) Luis of Twin Falls. Grandchildren Kristie (Jeff) Barnes, Abbie (Jason) Souza, Joao Manuel Azevedo, and Artur (Regina) Azevedo, from California, Mary (Manuel) Faria, Gorette (Joe) Bertao, Linda Luis, and Lester Luis from Twin Falls, Olivia Maria (Richardo) Tavaros, Anice (Jose Eduardo) Rodrigues, Orlando (Paula) Goulart, Amilcar (Karen) Goulart, Nuno Goulart, Christiano (Anabela) Moniz, and Anabel (Dolindo) Moniz all from the Azores and Portugal, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, his wife Belarmina, and his parents. A Rosary will be held at Rosenau Funeral Home on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 11, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Family and friends may share their thoughts and memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com