John Mathew Carvalho, Sr

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and dear Friend, John Mathew Carvalho Sr.
John passed peacefully July 8, 2022, at home with family by his side. Preceded in death by his parents John and Laura, brother Ronnie and adopted son Michael Horner. Survived by loving wife of 65 years, Sandy, Sons John Jr. (Marnie), Craig, Chris (Danielle), Grandchildren Shavaun (Chad), Sophia, Mathew, Zach, Nick, Dylan, and Joshua. Great Grandchild Brandon. Siblings: Barbara Carvalho-Lehman, Richard, Frank (Connie), Mary Paula Carvalho Albert and many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Sacramento as one of the first-generation American Portuguese in the Carvalho family, he attended Holy Angels elementary and Sacramento High school. Many years later, in his thirties, with a young family and working 2 jobs, he graduated from Sacramento City College.
As a young boy he enjoyed fishing, and all sports. (He noted that his talent in sports had him playing with the older kids much of the time.) Jobs included shoeshine, paper delivery and Sacramento Lithograph. Then, as many of his buddies joined the Armed Services, he too enlisted and became a very Proud Marine. In the US Marine Corp. from 1952-1956 during the Korean war he was stationed in Japan and was assigned on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier for a time.
Upon his return to Sacramento, he married his childhood sweetheart (since the 2nd grade), started a family, and was hired by the US Postal Service. After a short time of mail delivery (he said the small dogs not the big dogs were the ones to look out for), he began his 34-year career with the City of Sacramento Parks and Recreation Tree Division. He became very skilled at his craft and approached tree trimming as an art. His mission was to improve /preserve a trees health and enhance its natural beauty. He achieved this with thousands of trees throughout Sacramento as well as many of the very tall trees at Camp Sacramento. John enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done and camaraderie of the many friends and associates he came to know and respect during his years with the City of Sacramento. In 1993 John retired as the Chief Tree Trimming Supervisor for the City of Sacramento
John cherished his family, and his (100%) Portuguese heritage, loved life and the socializing that came with a large family and the many friendships formed through various clubs that he was involved with over the years. He was a member of the Southside Improvement Club, Knights of Columbus, American Portuguese Club, American Legion and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, Sacramento Lodge #6.
John was a member of the Elks Lodge for 54 years serving at Sacramento #6, California- Hawaii and culminating his dedication and service as a Grand Lodge Officer (national).
John was initiated into Sacramento #6 in 1968. He served on, and was chairman, of many committees and special events. He was an officer for several years before serving as Exalted Ruler from 1981-1982.
In 1982 he began serving on the California- Hawaii Elks Association as Vice Chairman of Government Relations Committee, then nominated to Chairman of the committee from 1983-1986. From 1987 to 1997 he held several state officer positions before being nominated as the First Vice President in 2000-2001 and President of the California- Hawaii Elks Association 2001-2002. He served as a member as an alternating chairman of the Investment Committee from 2006-2018.
For the grand lodge he served as District Deputy 1990-1991, a member of the Government Relations Committee 2002 to 2005, and most recent as Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight 2019-2021.
Passions/hobbies included fishing, watching boxing, and of course his SF 49ers. He was a 49er faithful (good years and bad), and he enjoyed listening to Sinatra and the Rat Pack. He helped many years at the winery and tasting room, loved travel, and most dear to his heart, the Island of Hawaii (Hilo). He was an avid reader of History, War and Autobiographies. He LOVED playing the slot machines and brought the house monies home more times than not. He enjoyed an occasional round of golf and just relaxing by the pool.
A mentor to many, and a dear friend to many more, John was described as humble, dedicated, caring, humorous, a man with calm strength an unwavering honesty and integrity.
Thank you to all who were part of John’s life and thank you for making him part of yours. We will carry on with a void, a void we will fill with love and memories for the rest of our days.

Johns’ charity of choice for donations was “For Children with special needs Project”
If so desired in lieu of flowers or memorial donations, make checks payable to:
“CHEMPI” (CALIFORNIA HAWAII ELKS MAJOR PROJECT,INC)
5450 East Lamona Ave. Fresno Ca 93727-2224