Carlos Paiva Obituary

Carlos Paiva, 66, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on April 13, 2023. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Carlos was born to Nicolau and Maria Conceicao Paiva in the city of Ribeira Grande on the island of Sao Miguel in the Portuguese archipelago of the Acores. He and his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1965 and later to Gilroy, California in 1973. In 1978, he met and became good friends with Eugene Schmitz. Gene was excited to introduce Carlos to his daughter Ramona, and did so the following year. Carlos and Ramona began going on double dates with Gene and his partner Emma, and got married in 1980. They bought a house in San Jose, where they lived happily with their two children and many stray animals that easily found their way into his heart and home. Carlos was a hard worker, whether serving in the United States Navy from 1975 to 1981, throughout his career in the tech industry, or later during his career at the US Postal Service. He was always early to his shifts and eager to pick up overtime to ensure he was able to support his family. As well as being a fan of science fiction and fantasy novels, TV shows, and films, Carlos enjoyed supporting local sports teams in person with family and friends or cheering at home - especially the San Jose Sharks, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers. Above all else, Carlos enjoyed showing his love by spending time with and supporting his friends and family whenever possible. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Carlos is survived by his sister, Marie West and her husband, Skip; sister, Connie Paiva Maddox and her husband, Greg; George Paiva and his wife, Katy; his wife, Ramona Paiva; his children, Estelle Paiva and Elizabeth Paiva; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at or the below address: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network 1500 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266