It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Americo (Nick) Manuel Luis of Montclair, California. He entered into rest at the age of 96 on Sunday, July 23rd. Nick was predeceased by his wife Claire Marie (Losty) Luis. He is survived by his daughters: Janet Gralinski of Northampton, MA; Christine Randolph of Loma Linda, CA; Dani Little and her husband Chris of Sanger, CA; sons: Stephen Luis of Montclair, CA and Brian Luis and his wife Sue of Chino, CA: his sister Filomena (Minnie) Domingos of San Diego, CA; and 12 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Nick was son of the late Maria Joanna Calistro and Manuel Luiz Jr. who emigrated from Alcobaca, Portugal to Chicopee, Massachusetts in 1926. Nick was born July 15, 1927, and became a first generation American.
Nick was proud to be an American and instilled that patriotism in his children. He was a veteran serving his country in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War. Nick relocated to California in 1959 and later moved to Montclair in 1962. He worked for the Navy Department at General Dynamics for 31 years and retired at the age of 55 as a Civil Engineer Supervisor in 1982. He led by example and had a strong work ethic; working a full-time day job, bartending on Friday nights, and cleaned carpets on Saturday, sometimes with the help of his children.
His proudest accomplishment was his family. He supported our mother in her quest for higher education and his children in all our positive endeavors. The world will be a far more lonely and scarier place without our dad. He loved to tell a good story or joke and his eyes would twinkle with mischief when telling them. He loved to play with his young children, which extended to his grandchildren. We have memories of him allowing his children to comb and put on sponge curlers in his hair. He never admitted to crying after a sad movie, but we all knew better.
In retirement, Nick invested in property, becoming a landlord for many years, as well as working odd jobs that kept him busy in retirement. He acknowledged that driving a freight truck was much harder than being an engineer when he forgot to close the back door of the delivery truck and ventured down the road. He was a long-time member of the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, and a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He gave back to the community by volunteering his time in working for Meals on Wheels, which delivered meals to those who were unable to cook or shop for themselves.
When friends would ask for Nick’s help, he would always be available. If he saw a need and was able to help, he would do so. While visiting our mom’s grave, he noticed a friend and past co-worker’s grave that did not have a headstone. He contacted the family who were in need and contacted his friends, who all pitched in so that a headstone could be placed. Nick was a great man, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend; and he will be deeply missed.
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