Nelio Bernardino Teixeira, 58, of Newman, passed away on January 29, 2024 in Turlock, California.
Nelio was born on March 5, 1965 to Bernardino and Oldemira Teixeira in Terceira, Azores. Nelio’s family immigrated to the United States when he was a child and settled in Newman, where he was a nearly lifelong resident.
Nelio graduated from Orestimba High School in 1983 and entered the construction field. He worked in construction throughout his life, starting at Yancey Lumber in high school, and later moving on to build homes with Silveira Brothers and manage subdivisions with Barnett Homes, as well as other projects with Freitas Fresh Eggs. He raised the bar for himself and others, taking great pride in his work, and improving everything he touched.
Nelio had an enormous heart and generous spirit. Nelio was dependable and offered his helping hand to family, friends, and anyone in need. He was endlessly inventive and imaginative, constantly building and creating; there was nothing he could not fix (or “modify” as he was fond of saying). Nelio was fun and free spirited. He loved to laugh, and to tell jokes and stories. He was a lifelong San Francisco Forty Niners fan, covering his walls and shelves with memorabilia, and could almost never be found without a Niners hat. Nelio was incredibly dedicated to his family and to his pets, doing anything necessary to bring them joy and comfort. He developed a love of cats later in life, and approached helping them with gentleness, sensitivity, and compassion. He led with a tough exterior, but those who knew him well, knew a deeply caring man. Nelio’s charm and charisma made him an easy friend to many, and impossible to forget.
Nelio was predeceased by his father Bernardino Teixeira and his mother Oldemira Teixeira in 2020. He is survived by his daughter Christina Teixeira and son-in-law James Pitner of Sacramento; sister Nelia Chen and brother-in-law John Chen of Alhambra; brother Emanuel Teixeira of Newman; his nephews and niece Andrew Hansen-Teixeira, Brady Hansen-Teixeira, Jacob Hansen-Teixeira, Matthew Teixeira, Nicholas Chen, Ryan Chen, and Casey Chen; his ex-wife and mother of their daughter Teresa Bettencourt of Chico; and his cats Misty and Monster.
He was a beloved son, dad, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Words cannot do justice to the loss felt by his daughter, sister, brother, family, and friends. He was a pillar and anchor for his family. He will be missed forever.
His wish was for everyone to happily reminisce and laugh together during this time. Despite his loss and absence, his family hopes you will think of Nelio often, with a smile.
If you would like to honor Nelio’s memory, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cause for Paws at P.O. Box 634 Newman, California 95360, an organization Nelio felt strongly about.
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Newman.
