Ludgero Pereira Cunha

Ludgero Pereira Cunha, 85, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025 in Tulare California. Ludgero was born on April 21,1939 to Pedro and Maria Aurelia Cunha on the island of Pico, Azores. Ludgero had one brother and four sisters. Growing up he helped with his family business until he joined the military service in 1960. Ludgero met his wife, Vitalina Avila, in 1963 and they went on to have 7 children. Antonio, Fernanda, Virginia, Paula, Fernando, Elizabeth, and Natalie. He came to California in 1972 and worked as a milker for 35 years for John Mendonca Dairy in Tipton, CA. Ludgero and his wife raised their family in Tipton. Providing for his family, through his hard work and dedication, made him feel proud and accomplished. Ludgero found happiness in his gardening, barbecuing, and spending time with his loved ones. He had a beautiful vegetable garden and several fruit trees that he enjoyed maintaining. He would sit under his trellis (latada) covered in grapes and this would always put a big smile on his face. He also had several rose bushes, which on special occasions, for his wife and kids, would pick the prettiest one and give it to them. Ludgero loved spending time with his family and friends. There were a lot of barbecues at the Cunha house, and many cherished gatherings. The love he had for his family grew, as he was blessed with 25 grandkids and 25 great grandkids. Ludgero was proud of his Portuguese heritage and loved dancing at festas, listening to Portuguese music and, also, the Portuguese Filarmonica. He found great joy in knowing that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue to enjoy the culture and language. His beautiful wife, Vitalina, passed away in 2008 and Ludgero never remarried. He continued to live in his home in Tipton where he still enjoyed his gardening and visits from kids, grandkids and friends. Later in life, he moved to Grand Oaks, previously known as Twin Oaks, in Tulare. He made a lot of friends, who later became more like family. He was loved so much there and quickly became known for his playful spirit, jokes, funny faces, and antics. He rode his scooter around the facility, passed out candies, and brought smiles to those he met. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Grand Oaks and Bristol Hospice for the love and care they provided Ludgero. Ludgero was a great man, father, avo (grandpa), brother, uncle and friend. His laughter and love for those around him will never be forgotten. His goodbyes were never goodbye, it was always just, "see ya later alligator", which will forever echo in the heart of those who loved him......So, dad, we will see ya later alligator. Ludgero is survived by Antonio Cunha (Rhonda), Fernanda Meneses, Virginia Almeida, Paula Serpa (Paul) Fernando Cunha (Sandra), Elizabeth Cunha, and Natalie Smith (Jeffrey). Sister Angelina Pimentel. Many nieces and nephews and all 25 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Ludgero was preceded in death by: his wife Vitalina Avila Cunha, his parents Pedro and Maria Aurelia Cunha, brother Manuel Cunha, sister Maria Agosta Menezes, sister Maria Perpeta Vargis, sister Fernanda Silva, son-in-law Jose Meneses and brother in law Joao Pimentel. Viewing will be held 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow at 6:00 PM. Mass services will be held 10:30 AM Friday, April 4th, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Church in Tipton, 232 S. Adams Rd. Burial services immediately following, at the Tulare Public Cemetery, 900 E. Kern. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Ludgero Pereira Cunha

April 21, 1939 - March 11, 2025