Angela Leona Direito

Angela Leona Direito, 90, of San Jose, CA, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was surrounded by the love of her grandchildren: Christopher, April, Desiree, and Loïca to assist in keeping her comfortable, peaceful, and supported. Born on January 17, 1934, in Vineland, NJ, to José and Maria DeGrassa, Portuguese immigrants, who were blessed to have their Angelita (little Angel) as their only child. She grew up in a Portuguese household where the old ways of the country were vehemently instilled in her as a little girl. Portuguese was only spoken in the household, and she learned English amongst Italian, Spanish, and French in school and her community environment. Although she was the only child she was blessed to have her primas, Tina and Hilda, and primo, Al to grow up with as if they were siblings. Her fondest memories of her childhood were spent amongst family gatherings, trips to NYC, and taking the ship back to Portugal, where she would eventually meet the love of her life, Euclides Direito. She met Euclides through her family and after a brief three months was married at Fatima to commence her family life as an adult with him.

Angela was a cherished mother to her two sons, Joseph Direito and Victor Direito. Euclides and Angela first settled back in New Jersey for their first couple years of marriage bliss, until Euclides convinced her to go West to California for sunshine and opportunity. At first she missed the East Coast, but would eventually become a Californian through and through. She loved her life here, and eventually convinced her parents to move West as well. They settled in San Jose where she would call home for over 60 years. Although she embraced California, her New Jersey accent would occasionally slip out with words like “coffee” or “dog” and her fondness for animal prints would never escape her. Her boys would become her world until she was blessed to become a grandmother followed by a great-grandmother. She was the matriarch of our family and was everyone’s rock. There was never a problem too big for her to help resolve or provide comfort. She relished being needed by her family. She took great joy in spending time with her family. Her love was constant and unwavering. She truly was an Angel for all of us to relish in her love. Angela's love for family was matched only by her passion for life, which she lived with boundless energy, curiosity, and love.

Angela worked for many years for Bank of America, where she was known for her diligence, work ethic, and adaptability as being proficient in multiple languages. However, her true passions were found outside the office. Angela's zest for life was evident in her love for gardening, painting, and cooking (especially Portuguese dishes), as well as her adventures traveling the world. Whether she was savoring a glass of wine at a local vineyard, strolling farmers markets, enjoying a cup of coffee at a local café, rolling her shoulders to her favorite music, sipping a margarita, or entertaining family or friends, she embraced life’s pleasures fully. A devoted Zumba enthusiast, Angela never shied away from staying active, always making time for Zumba, yoga, walks, or dancing.

A volunteer at the local American Cancer store, Angela was always eager to lend a helping hand to those in need. It gave her immense comfort after retirement to still contribute to her community and society as a whole. Her devoted faith in Catholicism instilled the importance of compassion and giving back to those in need. Her kindness and compassion touched many, and she made lasting memories with the people she met along the way.

Angela's radiant spirit, her joy for life, and her deep love for those around her will be greatly missed. She leaves behind her sons, Joseph and Victor, her grandchildren: Desiree, Christopher, April, Ben, Hazel, Loïca, and Marie, and great-grandchildren: Bryson, Jayden, Bailyn, Naomi, Caralyn, Eizalyn, Mia, Zaria-Lynn, and Kaidus, as well as a host of friends and extended family who were fortunate to know her. She lived a life filled with love, joy, and dedication to her family, community, Portuguese culture, compassion, and Catholic faith. It gives us comfort to know she is now reunited with her husband, Euclides Direito, her parents: José and Maria DeGrassa, and the rest of her loved ones.

Services will be open to everyone to show their love for our Angelita and support her family in their time of grieving. Please see service details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Angela's name to the Alzheimer's Association, supporting research and care for those affected by this challenging disease.